- Published:
- Friday 22 May 2026 at 8:14 pm
Labor is making it easier for social enterprises and purpose-driven entrepreneurs to get the support they need to grow and thrive.
A $900,000 investment will deliver strategic initiatives to strengthen and uplift the sector.
Social Enterprise Network Victoria, known as SENVIC, will receive funding to support early-stage and emerging social enterprises to grow into sustainable businesses.
The Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship, known as ACRE, will receive funding to help local government, businesses and communities build capability to support social enterprises in regional areas.
Social Traders will receive funding to streamline the process for social enterprises to get certified and access opportunities created by Victoria’s Social Procurement Framework.
A social enterprise is a business that trades to tackle social problems, improve communities, provide access to employment and training, or help the environment.
Social enterprises reinvest at least 50 per cent of their profits into achieving their mission.
Victoria has a strong social enterprise sector. It employs thousands of people, provides millions of hours of paid work and generates billions of dollars for our economy every year.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment Natalie Suleyman
“We’re continuing to invest in our social enterprise sector because we’re committed to building a fair and inclusive economy that benefits all Victorians.”
“Social enterprises are a vital part of Victoria’s economy – they create thousands of employment opportunities, including for people who face barriers to employment.”
Quotes attributable to SENVIC Chief Executive Officer Ishani Chattopadhyay
“Victoria’s social enterprises are proving that inclusive growth, strong communities and sustainable business outcomes can go hand in hand.”
“Through this investment, SENVIC will be able to provide practical support for grassroots and emerging social enterprises as they build capability, strengthen operations and generate lasting social and economic impact in communities across Victoria.”
Quotes attributable to ACRE Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Matt Pfahlert
“ACRE is excited to partner with the Victorian Government to strengthen and grow Victoria’s regional social enterprise ecosystem. At a time of growing interest in social enterprise, these Understanding Social Enterprise workshops bring together cross-sector leaders to unlock new pathways for local social, cultural, environmental and economic impact.”
“This initiative is designed to create lasting change by building a network of trained regional facilitators – ensuring that social enterprise knowledge, skills and momentum continue to grow within communities into the future.”
Quote attributable to Social Traders Chief Executive Officer Tara Anderson
“It’s fantastic to continue our almost 20-year partnership with the Victorian Government to build a thriving social enterprise sector. This funding will allow us to strengthen Australia’s certification system and unlock more opportunities for social enterprises to access procurement contracts."