Social enterprise is business at its best. They are innovative businesses that work to create a fairer and more sustainable world. There are an estimated 12,000 social enterprises in Australia contributing to 206,000 jobs and $21.3 billion to our economy.

A social enterprise:

• has a defined primary social, cultural or environmental purpose consistent with a public or community benefit
• derives a substantial portion of income from trade
• invests efforts and resources into purpose such that public/community benefit outweighs private benefit.

They operate across various industry sectors from facilities management, catering and hospitality, to business administration and design.

There are three social enterprise impact models:

• Employment generating: creates employment and training opportunities for marginalised people.
• Community need: delivers accessible products and services to meet community needs that are not met by the market.
• Profit redistribution: donates at least 50% of profits or revenue to charity.

Social Traders provides the only national social enterprise certification designed specifically for the Australian market. Our certification framework is world-leading in its depth and adaptability, and we have certified more than 650 social enterprises.

The certification process has 5 steps:

1. Gather your documentation/data:
   1. Australian business number (ABN)​
   2. Governing legal​ documents: The specific document will depend on your legal structure. For example, not-for-profits need a constitution or articles of association, for-profits need a constitution/shareholders' agreement, co-ops need co-op rules, and trusts need a trust deed. Don't have legal documents? Submit your application and we'll discuss next steps when we meet.
      
   3. Financial data/business​ plan​: We ask for the most recent 2 years of profit/loss statements and balance sheets. These can be audited financials or your management accounts. If you're a start-up or have been operating for less than 2 years, we ask for financial reports to date, a business plan and a 12-month financial forecast.
      
   4. Impact data and social​ costs​: We collect a small number of impact indicators and social costs aligned to the most recent full year of financial statements. The data required will depend on your impact model. Full details are in our certification guidance notes.​ (Social costs are the costs invested into advancing the public or community mission of your social enterprise.)
   5. Any other supporting documents: business plan, annual report, marketing documents etc.
2. Submit your application via our portal: We’ll review your​ application and get in​ touch within 10 business days.
3. Application discussion: An opportunity for you to​ tell us the story of your​ business, including the​ problem you're seeking to​ solve, and your approach.​ We'll both get the chance​ to ask any questions.​
4. Provide any additional information​: If we need anything more from you, this will be highlighted​ within the discussion. For example, signed verification​ certificate, further impact​ data, information on related​ entities etc.
5. Outcome: If approved, your​ enterprise is certified. You'll be asked to​ complete your business​ profile for our Social​Enterprise Finder and​ member portal.

On average, the process takes 4 - 5 weeks from start to completion.

For you to read

• Benefits of certification
• Certification FAQs
• Resources and publications

For you to attend and meet our team

• Certification information session, held on the third Wednesday of the month, 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm AEST/AEDT, Online (Zoom)

There is no cost for certification. We're making it truly accessible for social enterprises of all types.