Australian Social Enterprises

Ability WA runs two social enterprises that provide workforce opportunities and benefits for their beneficiaries. For over 50 years, Goodwill Engineering (GWE) has manufactured quality hardware components for Perth’s residential and commercial construction industry. As an Australian Disability Enterprise, GWE provides on-site support and training to employees with disabilities, supporting them to develop work skills and to maintain employment. Our Goodwill Engineering site provides supported employment opportunities for people with disabilities to develop their employment readiness skills and strive towards reaching their employment goals. AbilityTECH is a team of creative minds that combine innovation, knowledge and skill to improve the lives of people with disability. Working closely with people living with disabilities and other experts, AbilityTECH uses innovative thinking and technical expertise to create custom assistive solutions that support independence and comfort. AbilityTECH’s team also modify off-the-shelf products to meet individual needs as well as provide consultative support to therapists seeking advice.

Befriend is Sparking connected, thriving communities. We undertake community building and consulting services to nurture the development of inclusive, connected communities. We work collaboratively with local government, organisations and residents, supporting everyone we meet to think about their roles in the community a little differently and find meaningful ways to contribute to our shared purpose. It’s through this work that we all – as friends, neighbours, employees and citizens – can transform the world into a more connected, inclusive space that welcomes all people! So, you could say that we’re an organisation on a mission; to nurture connected, thriving communities where everyone is valued and everyone can belong. And that starts right now, with you… we’re just the support act! Befriend exists to nurture inclusive, connected, resilient communities in which all people are valued, connected and feel like they belong.

Supporting young men with disability to live a healthier life, through health, relationships, community and learning. They offer health and wellness programs and support for adolescent males and young men with disability. Buddiup now provides programs and services to over 100 athletes and participants in Perth and Geelong, helping young men on their journey to creating a healthier life.

The concept of creating a radio station dedicated to serving the seniors of Perth emerged in the year 2000 to address the special interests of this large group of discerning listeners. After many iterations 101.7FM frequency became home to Capital Community Radio where a range of groups are now served, prioritising community engagement for senior services, sharing resources, and cultural awareness in the arts via digital and airwave radio.

We manufacture vegan cakes and employ solely people who face barriers to employment, primarily survivors of domestic violence. We donate 3% of profits to fight hunger and we finance women-led small business ideas in emerging economies.

Clean Slate is providing addiction treatment services, with a focus on addressing health inequities. How do you create impact? – Reducing the barriers to accessing treatment for individuals struggling with substance dependence. Those barriers include financial; geographical; stigma & cultural – Embedding lived experience throughout the organisation, including actively recruiting clients who have achieved long-term recovery What does success look like to you? 10,000 Australians safely detoxed and on the road to long-term recovery

We are Banking that benefits the communities of greater Fremantle. By helping our customers and partners succeed we feed into the development and sustainability of the Fremantle community enabling our shareholders, our local community and our business to share in the prosperity. We sponsor organisations that provide opportunities to support youth, the arts and womens participation in sport.

Culture Connect WA is a social enterprise celebrating diversity through food. We empower refugees, international students, Indigenous youth, and people with disabilities through inclusive culinary programs, catering services, and community events. Our programs are powered by our catering business, and we exist to support refugees and international students into culinary training and careers.

Dress for success exists to empower Western Australian women from all backgrounds to achieve economic independence. Unemployed and underemployed women are supported to achieve economic independence by providing no-fee programs, development tools and professional attire to thrive in work and in life. Dress for Less sales are volunteer-powered, sustainable fashion sales, where every dollar raised empowers vulnerable Western Australian women.

International Sustainable Fashion Week of Australia

Enitiate is an organisation which runs semester-long projects in which engineering students gain experience working on technical projects to assist charitable or community organisations. Enitiate aims to empower engineering students to generate tangible value to community partners, through the engagement in real-world projects under the guidance of professional industry partners.

We activate entrepreneurship in remote First Nation communities by supporting community-led enterprises that foster health and well-being. Our approach is place-based and community-led. We focus on building the capacity of communities to activate local economies through enterprise. Our aim is to address a gap in early-stage support that builds foundational skills in entrepreneurship and small business. We do this by facilitating enterprise-based projects that build capacity, strong partnerships and enabling ecosystems. Our model is trauma informed, relationship based and responsive to the unique context of each community that we are invited to support.Our Vision; First Nations women in the Kimberley using entrepreneurship as a pathway to healing, leadership, economic empowerment and self determination. Our mission is to build partnerships which enable First Nations women to access the right support to use entrepreneurship as a vehicle for social change for their families and communities