Unpacking Social Enterprise- A Discussion Paper for Reference

On 14 August 2007, Social Alchemy hosted a free public forum at Customs House Sydney to unpack ideas around social enterprise with a focus on youth, enterprise and Indigenous affairs. This entry contains the discussion paper used to support the forum which provides an up to date reference towards understanding social enterprise.

The purpose of the forum was to unpack the idea of social enterprise to allow a more broad base understanding creating the necessary enabling environment for further activity. This forum introduced a fresh approach to an idea that has been demonstrated to make enormous difference in UK in both economic prosperity and social cohesion.

Key note speakers included John Pearce, UK author of Social Enterprise in Anytown, and Damian Ferrie, Executive Director, Community Programs & Volunteering, Department for Victorian Communities, with local experts providing input during plenary sessions.

Social enterprise is best understood as a hybrid commercial model that blends economic and social value creation.  Social enterprise has two key characteristics:

• Does not measure success on profit alone, unlike traditional business
• Operates in pursuit of a social or environmental purpose

A copy of the discussion paper and the 2005 Churchill Fellowship report examining successful models of social enterprise through UK and USA written by Matt Jones are provided as a resource for reference and the basis for further dialogue in this entry.

For more information, please contact Matt Jones on 0438 007 770 or at matt.jones@fusemail.com.

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