Jobs-focused or Work Integrated Social Enterprises (WISE) provide employment opportunities for marginalised and disadvantaged individuals, offering them a path to financial stability, skill development, and a renewed sense of purpose. These enterprises understand that breaking the cycle of unemployment goes hand in hand with addressing broader societal challenges.
Work integrated social enterprises (WISE) are emerging as catalysts for change that go beyond traditional business models. From transforming lives to addressing pressing social issues, these ventures are igniting transformation on multiple fronts. Let’s take a deeper look at employment-based social enterprises, exploring their impacts, the Australian context, and the remarkable outcomes they’ve created.
Employment-based social enterprises provide employment opportunities for marginalised and disadvantaged individuals, offering them a path to financial stability, skill development, and a renewed sense of purpose. These enterprises understand that breaking the cycle of unemployment goes hand in hand with addressing broader societal challenges.
Research underscores the profound impact of employment-based social enterprises. A study conducted by the Centre for Social Impact revealed that these enterprises generate significant social, economic, and personal benefits. Participants often experience improved mental health, increased self-esteem, and enhanced social connections. Moreover, the positive ripple effect extends to families and communities, creating a transformative cycle of empowerment.
Australia, like many nations, grapples with unemployment, particularly among vulnerable populations. The need for employment-based social enterprises is palpable, as they serve as an innovative response to these challenges.
Notable Examples in WA
Good Sammy: As a prominent employment-based social enterprise, Good Sammy stands out for its commitment to providing employment for people with disabilities. The organisation operates diverse businesses, ranging from retail stores to industrial services.
Reboot Australia: Reboot Australia is an employment pathway enterprise specialising in employment for those who’ve been incarcerated. Connecting tailored employment opportunities, support services and candidates, Reboot Australia allows the dignity of employment for those seeking to reintegrate into society.
Dismantle Inc: Dismantle, embraces employment as a tool for youth development through Bike Doctor and ReNew Property Maintenance. By offering training and employment to at-risk youth, this enterprise channels their energy into meaningful endeavours. Through this model, Dismantle Inc equips youth with skills, work experience, and a path towards a brighter future.
Interested in starting a work integrated social enterprise?
This journey is marked by careful planning, a deep understanding of your target cohort, and a commitment to creating meaningful change. Consider the following key aspects to ensure the success and sustainability of your venture.
1. Identifying and Connecting with Your Cohort
Begin by identifying the cohort you aim to empower through employment. Whether it’s individuals with disabilities, refugees, at-risk youth, or any other group, establishing a genuine connection with them or organisations that work with them is essential. Engage in conversations, listen to their needs, aspirations, and challenges, and build trust through open communication.
2. Exploring Potential Partnerships
Consider partnerships with local organisations, NFPs, and community services that are already working with your target cohort. Collaborations can provide access to valuable resources, networks, and expertise. Partnering with existing entities can also help ensure that the support services your cohort needs are readily available.
3. Suitability of Work and Skill Development
Assess the types of work or services your social enterprise will offer. Ensure that the work aligns with the skills and abilities of your cohort. Consider whether any training or skill development programs are necessary to prepare them for the roles they’ll undertake. Tailor your offerings to provide a platform for skill growth and personal development.
4. Providing Wrap-around Support Services
Creating a holistic support ecosystem is crucial. Your cohort may require additional services such as mentorship, counselling, transportation, pre-employment education or childcare. Addressing these needs ensures that your employees can focus on their work without undue stressors.
5. Diverse Employment Opportunities
Explore a variety of employment models to suit the needs and preferences of your cohort. These could include full-time, part-time, contract, freelance, or even remote work options. Check with the Fair Work Ombodsem to ensure employment is understood and aligned with employment legislation.
6. Exploring Other Employment Pathways
Consider the broader employment landscape for your cohort. Are there other industries or sectors where their skills can be utilised? Providing training and connections to alternative employment pathways can broaden opportunities and contribute to the long-term success of your cohort.
7. Creating Flexibility and Inclusivity
Flexibility is a cornerstone of an inclusive employment-based social enterprise. Adapt your work environment, schedules, and expectations to accommodate various needs, including accessibility requirements, family commitments, and health considerations. This flexibility promotes a culture of inclusion and equity.
8. Measuring Impact and Progress
Develop metrics to track the impact of your social enterprise. Evaluate not only financial performance but also the personal and social transformation experienced by your cohort. Document success stories, improvements in skills, and the broader positive effects on their lives and communities.
9. Continuous Learning and Improvement
Embarking on the journey of an employment-based social enterprise is a learning process. Continuously seek feedback from your cohort, staff, and partners. Adapt and refine your strategies based on the insights gained to optimise your impact and ensure your venture’s sustainability.
10. Advocating for Change
Beyond your social enterprise, advocate for policy changes, awareness campaigns, and systemic improvements that empower your cohort on a larger scale. Your insights and experiences can drive positive change in society’s perceptions, policies, and support systems.
Starting an employment-based social enterprise demands dedication, empathy, and a commitment to fostering positive change. By addressing the unique needs of your cohort, offering diverse employment opportunities, and creating an inclusive environment, you can build a venture that not only empowers individuals but also shapes a more equitable and compassionate society.
Measuring impact is simply the act of recording and understanding the impact you create. Managing your impact takes this further to use the information collected through impact measurement to make decisions that guide your organisation, its strategic direction and the programs, products and services you offer.
