The latest survey from Social Traders reveals that 85% of social enterprises feel the social enterprise model is becoming more familiar to people outside the sector compared to three years ago.

The survey also shows compared to 12 months ago, 42% are finding it easier to connect with business buyers, and 57% have seen weighting in tenders to support social enterprises to win work. Over the last year, social enterprises are also growing:

• 74% have added a new product or service offering
• 64% said their business is more stable
• 67% have increased the number of beneficiaries supported

79% of certified social enterprises have also said that they are attempting to sell to other organisations and governments through procurement opportunities.

Social Traders certification was rated the most useful and effective service offered by Social Traders. And social enterprises rated Social Traders support 3.9/5.

Commenting on the insights Tara Anderson, CEO Social Traders said “It’s fantastic to hear that social enterprises are valuing the services offered by Social Traders. And even better that social enterprises are seeing a change in awareness of the social enterprise model.

“It’s also great to see the value of certification being recognised by social enterprises, at a time when social washing is becoming more of a concern. Certification de-risks, protects and identifies the social enterprise sector. The certification framework is world leading and has been evolving with the sector over the last six years. There are over 550 certified social enterprises in Australia and that number is growing fast. It's catching on!"

Certification helps social enterprises articulate their impact, support their business growth and gain confidence among consumers, businesses and stakeholders.

The Social Traders certification framework covers all social enterprise models, legal structures, and developmental stages including start-ups. It verifies that a social enterprise:

1. Has a defined primary social, cultural or environmental purpose consistent with a public or community benefit.
2. Derives a substantial portion of their income from trade.
3. Invests efforts and resources into their purpose such that public/community benefit outweighs private benefit.

Social Traders is committed to supporting the growth of the social enterprise sector, through capacity and capability building of social enterprises and connecting them with business and government to grow their impact through social procurement.

We’re on a mission to make social enterprise business as usual, for a fairer more equitable Australia.