Australian Social Enterprises

Ability Enterprises is a not-for-profit social enterprise based in Toowoomba, Queensland, providing meaningful employment opportunities to marginalised individuals facing barriers to work. Since 2012, they have supported over 400 people including those living with mental illness, people with disabilities, refugees, and Indigenous Australians across their seven social enterprise ventures.

We are a commercially competitive not for profit social enterprise operating in Kew, Melbourne since 1963. As a social enterprise we trade and reinvest for the benefit of our employees and the community. We employ over 130 people and our purpose is clear: 'Through employment, we create opportunities for people living with a disability and those socially excluded, to discover their potential and enhance their lives" We have four operating units: wire & metal fabrication, digital document scanning and business services, packing & assembly, logistics & fundraising and engage with customers from many sectors. We are a solution focused, agile, innovative and results driven business which puts its people at the centre of its operation. Ability Works produces quality products and delivers outstanding services across four business units: * Wire & metal fabrication* Digital technology services* Packing & assembly* Logistics and fundraising Procurement from us provides meaningful employment for people living with a disability and economic, social and environment benefits for corporates, governments and the community. Work provides purpose and meaning for everyone. It provides huge personal wellness, social and community benefits for those people living with a disability and those socially disadvantaged. For Ability Works employees, there is a great sense of pride and achievement that comes with not only having a job, but being part of a team that creates outstanding results both for industry and for those who are working as part of the team. This sense of belonging and achievement is recognised and appreciated by a range of stakeholders including employee family members.

Access Industries provides a supportive and professional workplace that creates opportunities for people with disabilities achieve economic and community participation through meaningful employment. All employees of Access Industries receive training and support to deliver quality products and services for our commercal customers. As part of its commitment to providing quality services, Access Industries employs skilled Training Officers and Welfare Officers to provide or organise additional training and support for its supported employees (i.e. employees who have a disability). This enables supported employees to optimise their work potential and personal skills, and for those wishing to do so, helps to prepare them to move on into open employment. We provide services for people with disabilities in employment related areas. In doing so we create opportunities for our supported employees to develop personal and workplace skills to increase their social and financial independence.

As a not-for-profit community organisation, Achieve Australia has provided services and support with integrity, commitment and passion since 1952 for people with a disability to achieve a life that is meaningful and valued. We do this by facilitating the learning and maintenance of life and work skills, the development of relationships, the ability to make life choices and participation in community activities. Achieve Australia’s My Career services create opportunities for people with disability to learn, succeed, earn income and feel fulfilled through having a satisfying career and meaningful work. Paid employment facilitates independence, self-respect and opportunities to become fully contributing members of the community. It also enables My Career customers, volunteers, and the community in general to learn how people with disability are contributing to business and society through their skills and productivity, and financial independence. Achieve Australia’s My Career services benefit supported employees and their families by:• Equipping people with skills, confidence and qualifications• Helping to identify career and skill development options• Providing training and work experience opportunities• Offering travel training• Providing guidance on writing an impressive resume• Conducting training on successful recruitment interview techniques My Career provides workers with the individual supports and services they require so they can focus on their skill development, roles in the workplace, and enjoyment of a productive team environment.

Activ has a strong and proud history of supporting people living with intellectual disability to reach their goals, achieve their dreams and break through barriers. Established in 1951 by a small group of motivated families who joined forces to build a better future for their children living with intellectual disability. Activ has grown into one of Western Australia’s leading not for profit, disability service provider. About ActivToday, Activ supports more than 2,000 people living with disability and their families across the state, offering a range of person centred services and supports including:• Accommodation• Employment• Community• Education and Training• Short-term Accommodation• Behaviour Support Services Activ provides meaningful employment to more than 160 people living with disability across metropolitan and Southwest regions. Activ social enterprises delivers a complete property care service for commercial customers, horticulture services such as indoor plant rental and a timber manufacturing business that produces quality pallets and crates to a large number of well know commercial customers.Working with Activ gives you access to on-the-job training to focus on practical and soft skills in the work place and opportunities to complete nationally recognised qualifications through our registered training organisation (RTO), Activ Pathways.

AGA is one of Australia's largest Group Training Organisations, specialising in employing, training and placing apprentices and trainees across multiple industries. With 35 years of experience, they deliver vocational education and employment services, supporting disadvantaged job seekers and providing workforce solutions to employers.

ParaQuad Industries is an Australian Disability Enterprise based in Shenton Park WA. We provide general packaging, bulk breaking and repetitive assembly services as well as picture framing and courier services. We also manufacture rag wipers and recycle donated goods through sale in our three Op Shops and through export. Each year ParaQuad Industries collects and recycles about 1,500 tonnes of donated used goods, approximately 75% of which are diverted from landfill. This assists local governments and provides metropolitan residents a convenient way of disposing of unwanted items. ParaQuad Industries provides a wide variety of meaningful employment and social interaction opportunities to all of our supported employees in a modern facility. We enable the transition to open employment where appropriate and encourage eligible employees to upgrade their skills by sponsoring advanced training for them.

Alloyfold is a Victorian-based commercial furniture manufacturer and supplier that operates as a social enterprise to fund Pathway, a charity supporting marginalised and vulnerable individuals. Through the sale of seating, tables, and portable sanitation products to businesses and organisations, Alloyfold generates revenue that directly funds social services, reducing long-term reliance on welfare. Customers who procure furniture from Alloyfold actively contribute to transforming lives through social procurement.

Are-able focuses on offering meaningful employment opportunities for people with a disability through a range of business enterprises and community support services. These enterprises provide a supported environment for people with a disability to develop their job skills and work ethic, along with an opportunity to make the transition from supported, to open employment. We believe employment opportunities are critical in creating an inclusive & empowering community for people with a disability. All employment opportunities at are-able offer valuable hands-on employment experience in a supportive & social environment. Social and community participation is about connecting with your local community and, in turn, ensuring a sense of purpose and well being. Employment isn't just about having a job. Our Social Enterprise can provide you with a sense of purpose, an opportunity to contribute skills, gain achievement, economic & social participation. Supported Employment can boost your confidence & self-esteem. It connects you with your community and gives you a strong sense of purpose.

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!

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.

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.

Bedford is a not-for-profit registered charity that exists to support people with disability to live the life they choose through jobs, pathways and opportunities. As the second-largest employer of people with disability in Australia, Bedford provides a broad range of employment options, services and supports for nearly 1400 clients across 22 sites in South Australia. Bedford exists to support people with disability to live the life they choose through jobs, pathways and opportunities. Our Bedford-backed social enterprises offer a range of products and services, including food and beverage, manufacturing and landscape construction, with all profits returning to Bedford to create more opportunities. Providing employees and clients with meaningful employment and a variety of services and supports, such as social programs, residential care, training programs, and capacity-building.

BG Civil Indigenous Corporation is an Indigenous-owned and operated entity that likely provides civil works services, aiming to benefit Indigenous communities. Its specific activities are not detailed, but its focus on Indigenous ownership and operation suggests a strong commitment to social impact. The organisation's efforts may contribute to improved infrastructure and economic development in Indigenous communities.

Bloom Cycle is Australia’s only sustainable, Social Traders–recognised manufacturer creating handcrafted trophies, keepsakes, and recognition pieces from reclaimed Australian timber and other... Read more

Bokul-Nee Men Shed Aboriginal Corporation appears to operate as a Men's Shed organization providing a safe and supportive space for Indigenous men to connect, share skills, and support each other's wellbeing. Based on the Men's Shed model, the organization likely addresses social isolation and promotes mental health and community engagement among Indigenous men in NSW.

For over 45 years Brite Services, an Australian Disability Enterprise, has been providing supported employment and training services for people with a disability. Brite provides diverse employment opportunities in horticulture, manufacturing and assistive technology for over 140 people. As a social enterprise and a profit for purpose business, we’ve been changing people’s futures for more than 45 years by providing our community with jobs and opportunities.We know that real employment is a catalyst for change, breaking down barriers and setting people up for success in life. We offer a safe and supportive workplace for people with varying abilities, with a focus on personal development and training. But it’s not all about work. You’ll also learn things that will help you in your daily life. Our goal is to give our people a sense of pride and ownership of their workplace. Also, working with us means belonging to a social community and making long-term friendships.

Operating since 1968, Brunswick Industries is a Victorian Disability Social Enterprise providing employment opportunities for people living with disabilities. We specialise in the manufacture of commercial and industrial liquid cleaning chemicals including our own RIBBON Contractor range of liquid cleaning chemicals. Combined with our liquid chemical manufacturing, we also offer a broad range of packing and assembly services and the supply of marketing collateral, promotional merchandise and offer warehouse facilities. This flexibility and capability, opens new employment opportunities and a diverse scope of skills training programs that can cater for the individual needs of our supported employees. Contract Liquid Chemical Filling:• Pet Care & Conditioning• Leather Care & Automotive • Commercial Cleaning & Janitorial• Fragrances & Candle Supplies Ribbon Liquid Cleaning Chemicals:• Commercial Offices & Retail Outlets• Hospitality & Healthcare Facilities• Events & Venue Cleaning Supplies• Construction Sites & Portable Amenities We Pack & Assemble:• Exhibition & Promotion Kits• Shrink Wrap & Co-Packing• Product Packing• Reworks & Labelling• Component Assembly The unemployment rate for people with disability has been more than double the unemployment rate of people without disability. Employment plays significant importance in the changes and life experiences for people living with disability. Improving employment opportunities and outcomes for people with disabilities can significantly improve the economy, community, and individuals’ lives. The more business we secure, the more opportunities we have to employ people living with disability. For every $20,000 that we earn, we can provide up to 1600 hours of employment over a year for two people living with disability. Our Social Value and contribution is not just limited to employment opportunities, we can make a difference and help break the barriers and misconceptions held against people with disability. We provide employment and progressive training and development programs for people living with disabilities. With purpose-built facilities, we provide a safe, secure and supportive environment for our employees and encourage them to reach their potential. Support is a mixture of 1:1 and group support 1:4 to 1:7 depending on your employment goals and Program of Support which is developed with you using a person-centred approach. Our Employment Supports Program provides on the job training and development across a broad range of meaningful work. Individualised, these opportunities include manufacturing, warehousing, administration, cleaning, workplace safety, teamwork, and leadership, plus the opportunity to undertake Certificate Courses. All of which contribute to the inclusion, well-being and financial security for people living with disability, their families and greater community.

Budawa Aboriginal Signage Group is an Aboriginal Corporation that likely specialises in signage services. As an Indigenous business, it contributes to Indigenous economic empowerment and cultural representation through its commercial activities.

Cacti Conserve Pty Ltd is a social enterprise that manufactures and supplies environmentally friendly site safety and packaging products, promoting the replacement of conventional plastic products with plastic-free and recycled alternatives. This helps to reduce waste and promote environmental sustainability. By using post-consumer harvested cardboard and new-recycled paper, they contribute to a more eco-friendly future.

cape solutions provide supported employment to more than 300 people with disability. Our team offers co-packing and assembly services, warehousing and third-party logistics, food packing, corporate gifting, nursery services, and print and communications solutions. All cape solutions sites and services are ISO-9001 certified. Our capabilities- A HACCP food-safe room- A commercial print and multimedia room- Container docking facilities- More than 12,000 square meters of factory and warehouse space between our sites- Capacity to store 1,500 pallets indoors across both sites, as well as outdoor storage options Our locations - cape solutions North (1-7 Belfast Street Broadmeadows)- cape solutions East (52-62 Rooks Road Nunawading) We are a certified social enterprise with over fifty years in operation that employs a large and flexible team of Australians with disability. cape group aims to deliver social impact by providing people with disability the opportunity to work, build connections, and reach their full potential. Our goal is to equip, educate and inspire our people so, should they wish to, they can progress into open and mainstream employment. We work with a wide range of industries so our people can build varying and transferable skills that reflect the current job market. This variety also provides an opportunity to explore their passions and purpose.