Australian Social Enterprises

Areyn Aboriginal Corporation is an Indigenous corporation based in the Northern Territory that supports Aboriginal communities through culturally appropriate services and programs. While specific activities are not publicly detailed, the corporation aims to foster social and economic outcomes for its members and remote Indigenous populations. Its work contributes to community empowerment, cultural continuity, and improved wellbeing.

Arnhem Northern and Kimberley Artists Aboriginal Corporation (ANKA) is an Indigenous corporation that supports and advocates for Aboriginal artists and art centres across the Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, and Kimberley regions. Its social impact focuses on empowering Indigenous artists, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering economic opportunities within these communities.

We are a centre of excellence that supports artists with an intellectual disability, to promote their work and advocate their inclusion in contemporary art practice and dialogue.

Aussie Biscuits is a certified social enterprise operating under Aruma Services, producing over 60,000 Australian-made biscuits daily while creating meaningful employment opportunities for 30+ people with disabilities. The business supplies businesses nationwide with a range of classic biscuit flavors while generating positive social impact through disability inclusion in the workforce.

Aruma Services - Summerland Farm is a social enterprise that provides employment opportunities to over 500 Australians with a disability through its various businesses, including commercial laundry, facility services, and food products. The organisation also sub-contracts to other disability organisations, creating further employment opportunities. By doing so, Aruma aims to create long-term careers and promote social inclusion for people with disabilities.

We might have a new name, but we’re not the new kids on the block. You once knew us as House with No Steps and The Tipping Foundation – two great organisations, with over 100 years of combined experience, who came together in 2018. Yes, we’re a disability service provider, but we’re also so much more. We’re the helper, mentor, coach, and trusted partner of around 5000 people with a disability throughout the east coast of Australia. We’re also proud to employ nearly 400 people with a disability across our seven businesses. From packaging and facility services to delicious biscuits and a working avocado and macadamia farm, our businesses offer quality products and services whilst advocating for Australians living with disability. All our Businesses are Social Enterprises certified by Social Traders. Meaning we are profit for purpose! We are sustainable and commercially competitive, but we exist for the sole purpose of creating meaningful, enjoyable employment for people with disability. We know that our Businesses are productive, creative, innovative, and great at problem solving. But work with us and find out for yourself! By including people with disabilities into your supply chain you help to increase their exposure to corporate sourcing, whilst improving employment, training, and social inclusion opportunities. Aruma is committed to participating in the communities in which we operate. We strive to increase local spending and create jobs for local suppliers and contractors. In 2022, our Businesses contributed over $17.3 million into the economy and for every dollar invested into an Aruma businesses there is a $2.05 return on investment to our local communities via improved incomes for employees, disability support pension savings and increased economic activity of carers. There are numerous benefits to employment such as improved relationships, self-reliance, and self-esteem. And, supported employment with Aruma gives people with a disability opportunity to learn new skills, get work experience, meet new people, work on their career goals, and earn an income. Our employees can work in different roles throughout our businesses including gardening, administration, biscuit manufacturing, tour guides, cooks and more. We never use a one-size-fits-all approach - supporting people to live a great life, the life they want, the life they choose!

ASRC Catering is a social enterprise that provides catering services to events in Melbourne, with a mission to create pathways to meaningful employment for people seeking asylum. The organisation aims to empower individuals to gain financial autonomy, social inclusion, and rebuild their lives. By delivering a global food experience, ASRC Catering supports the social and economic integration of new migrants and refugee communities.

Assembled Threads is a Melbourne-based social enterprise established in 2021 that provides training and employment in garment manufacturing for disadvantaged groups, including refugees, asylum seekers, and migrant women. They produce sustainable garments and PPE locally using recycled materials while offering textile industry apprenticeship training in partnership with Holmesglen.

ASTERIA is a proud diverse organisation, offering tailored disability support and commercial services to the residents of central Victoria, with operations based in Maryborough and Bendigo.ASTERIA provides a comprehensive range of services, including individual and programs of support, in-home and community-based assistance, respite and accommodation services, support coordination as well as children and youth support. Our supported employment program underpins our commercial services, which are available to the community and local businesses.At ASTERIA, we are dedicated to removing barriers, creating opportunities, and empowering individuals to make their own choices. Through inclusive services and employment programs, we strengthen community connections and promote social participation, helping individuals thrive while contributing to a more equitable and supportive society. ASTERIA’s supported employment program empowers individuals with disabilities by providing meaningful work opportunities in a safe, inclusive environment. Employees gain practical job skills, soft skills like communication and teamwork, and health and safety knowledge through tailored training. This fosters independence, confidence, and career growth. Families benefit from the stability and sense of purpose these roles provide, knowing their loved ones are supported and valued.

Atite Cattle Aboriginal Corporation is an Indigenous corporation operating in the Northern Territory, primarily engaged in the cattle industry. As an Indigenous business, it likely aims to generate economic opportunities, create employment, and support self-determination for the Atite Aboriginal community through its commercial activities.

Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE) is a for-purpose social enterprise established in 2013 in Victoria that supports rural communities by building entrepreneurial capability and capacity. ACRE helps young people and emerging entrepreneurs develop skills to create opportunities that rejuvenate rural Australia through training, workshops, and accelerator programs.

Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience Indigenous Corporation delivers structured mentoring programs that pair Indigenous students with university and industry mentors to support their educational and career aspirations. Through sustained guidance and skill‑building, the organisation helps close the gap in attainment and employment outcomes for Indigenous Australians while fostering community leadership and cultural pride.

Australian Spatial Analytics (ASA) is a social enterprise that delivers professional Geospatial and Digital Engineering data services. Its primary social mission is to create meaningful careers for young neurodivergent adults, addressing high unemployment rates within this community and leveraging their unique talents to meet Australia's STEM skill shortages.

Auticon Pty Ltd is a social enterprise that provides high-quality data services, software development, quality assurance testing, and penetration testing. They achieve social impact by creating neurodiverse workplaces, leveraging the unique strengths of autistic employees in analytical, systemizing, and innovative thinking.

Avenue is an Australian social enterprise that offers day program alternatives for people with disability, enabling them to engage in meaningful work through various microbusinesses and participate in community activities. It aims to foster an inclusive economy by providing supported employment, skill development, and social engagement, empowering participants to make a purposeful contribution and generate income.

B & M Essential Cleaning is a Victorian social enterprise dedicated to helping vulnerable members of the community, particularly new migrants and refugees, secure stable and reliable employment. Through their social purpose initiative, they provide cleaning services, building trade work, repairs and maintenance, as well as equipment and supplies. Their certified Social Traders status demonstrates their commitment to creating meaningful social impact through sustainable business practices.

Back to Back Theatre creates new forms of contemporary performance created by artists with disabilities, giving voice to social and political issues which speak to all people. Based in the regional centre of Geelong, the company is one of Australia’s most globally recognised and respected contemporary theatre companies. Seeking to make a body of work that exists in repertoire across time, the company tours extensively locally, nationally and internationally. Over the last decade, Back to Back Theatre has presented 40 national and 72 international seasons of its work. In addition to its professional practice Back to Back collaborates intensively with communities around the world, with a focus on artistic excellence and elevated social inclusion for all people of difference.

Badulgau Indigenous Corporation is an Indigenous business registered in Queensland that aims to support its members and broader Indigenous communities through culturally appropriate services and initiatives. While its specific programs are not publicly detailed, the corporation seeks to foster social and economic empowerment among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Its operations are guided by principles of self‑determination and community benefit.

Ballina Shire Council is located in the Northern Rivers of the Far North Coast of New South Wales. It covers an area of 485 km² with a population of approximately 41,000 (2011 Census). We have a prosperous economy based on building, retail, tourism, hospitality, agriculture and education. Our services and facilities include numerous open spaces, two public swimming pools, three libraries, a number of community spaces, a community art gallery, and a regional airport providing numerous daily jet services between Sydney, Melbourne and Newcastle. Working with a regional community that is progressive, innovative and creative, our Council strategies and services are designed to deliver an outstanding lifestyle for our residents, workers and visitors. We are also mindful that as we are in one of the fastest growing regions in Australia we need to protect what we have now while planning for the future.

BAM ARTS INC is an Australian social enterprise providing inclusive performing and creative arts programs for people with disabilities of all ages in Victoria. They offer diverse opportunities for participants to connect, ignite creativity through various art forms, and develop social skills. The organisation also operates a cafe and a retail shop, fostering further social and economic engagement.

Banbai Enterprise Development Aboriginal Corporation is an Indigenous business that fosters economic opportunities and business development for the Banbai Aboriginal community in NSW. Its social impact is primarily focused on promoting Indigenous economic empowerment and self-determination.

For over 50 years, Barkuma has worked alongside people with disability to find rewarding jobs, learn new skills, explore their talents, and be included in the community. Barkuma provides services to over 700 people, making it one of the largest disability organisations in South Australia. Services include open and supported employment, transition services, community living support, training, counselling, advocacy and support. The Barkuma differences are a reflection of our deep-rooted commitment to inclusivity, innovation and individual empowerment. As a trusted and experienced partner in disability services, we are proud to continue to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals in South Australia, fostering a sense of belonging and independence. We are proud to have received the Service Provider Award at the 2023 South Australian Premier’s Food and Beverage Industry Awards. We have a 50-year history and are dedicated to South Australians. Barkuma’s not-for-profit ethos and person-centred approach distinguish us from others in the field. We work with people to establish the capacity and confidence to transition out of high school and continue to build a life of independence that makes quality employment and accommodation outcomes achievable.

Barossa Enterprises is a community organisation that supplies the wine industry with premium packaging solutions. We support over 100 people with disabilities providing an opportunity for people to engage in the industry that has shaped their community. Our manufacturing division, WoodWerx supplies major SA wineries.

Bayside Letterbox Deliveries is a Melbourne-based social enterprise providing professional leaflet and catalogue distribution services for businesses and government clients. Their core social mission is to create meaningful employment opportunities for people with physical and/or mental disabilities and the long-term unemployed.

Bayside Vegies is a social enterprise in Hervey Bay, Queensland that processes and sells fresh vegetables to hospitals, aged care facilities, restaurants, and other businesses. All profits fund Bayside Transformations, the Wide Bay region's only residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre, which provides treatment for addiction and mental health issues.