What is a Social Enterprise?
Social enterprises are businesses driven by a social mission. Their primary goal is to serve the public, community, and environment, rather than maximising the profits of shareholders. They reinvest most of their earnings to further this purpose.
WASEC’s members are thriving businesses that leverage their operations to address critical social challenges like employment barriers, homelessness, domestic violence, and food insecurity. These enterprises often employ a higher proportion of disadvantaged job seekers compared to traditional businesses.
People and Planet First.
We’re making it easier to do good through business. Whether you’re searching for an ethical gift, need a building company that trains vulnerable people, or want sustainable solutions, look for the WASEC logo. This logo signifies that a business has been thoroughly vetted and endorsed by the WA Social Enterprise Council, with final approval from the Board.
You can also explore our directory to find trusted suppliers and services. Additionally, some social enterprises are People Planet First-verified, meeting both global and local standards for social responsibility.
Social Enterprise Directory
Find a Social Enterprise in Western Australia!
You can explore current WASEC members in our Social Enterprise Directory.
Find a business with impact on our Directory by searching for their area of operation, searching the industry, or by who they help! It’s a great way to find new businesses or services to procure from.
If you’d like to be listed in our new directory, you can become a WASEC member.
Global Standards for Social Enterprise
Purpose over profit
Social enterprises have a clear primary social or environmental mission (set out in governing documents and communications).
Self-sustaining
Social enterprises generate income from sales of products or services. While they might attract grant funding and sponsorship, this is not their only source of revenue.
Surplus $$ is reinvested
Social enterprises reinvest profit into the pursuit of their mission. So instead of paying shareholders and owners, they are accountable to their purpose.
Structurally sound
Social enterprises have different legal structures but the same aim – to benefit the community. Rather than maximising profit and shareholder value, social enterprises prioritise their social purpose.
Ethical and transparent
Social enterprises aspire to do good while operating to the highest ethical standards. They treat supply chains with respect, and pay their staff the living wage.