Empowering SMEs to deliver social performance

The social and environmental expectations on businesses are rising and for SMEs, knowing where to start can be the hardest part. We can help.

The Social Traders Elevate Program is a capability building program designed to help Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) embed social procurement, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), and responsible business practices into everyday operations. 

It's practical, structured, and built with the realities of smaller businesses in mind.

TradeMutt

Elevate Program

Over six months, the program takes SMEs on a structured pathway to grow their social impact the "S" in ESG. 

The Elevate Program gives SMEs the skills, confidence, and practical frameworks to engage with diverse suppliers, drive social and economic inclusion, and stand out in competitive markets - with expert guidance and hands-on support to accelerate internal capability and measure meaningful outcomes.

Program benefits:

  • Practical ways to uplift capability in social procurement, DEI, and ESG — not just theory
  • Confidence to engage diverse suppliers and build lasting partnerships with certified social enterprises
  • Stronger business alignment around social performance and reporting tools to prove it
  • Confidence in responding to tenders with social value requirements
  • Become a Social Traders member with discounted rates for program alumni

This program suits:

  • Businesses wanting to drive social performance but unsure where to start
  • Businesses fielding questions about social procurement, DEI, and ESG in tenders and contract requirements - and need real answers
  • Businesses looking to build a social procurement approach without a dedicated internal team

Program components

Diagnostic
  • A baseline assessment maps your organisation's current maturity in social procurement and DEI. Know exactly where you stand and where to grow.
Training
  • Three expert-led training sessions take you through the essentials of social procurement and diverse suppliers, how to embed best practice into your organisation, and how to strengthen your ESG approach.
Networking
  • Make the right connections. Join a curated networking event to meet certified social enterprises and explore real partnership opportunities.
Reporting
  • Receive a tailored impact report capturing your social procurement spend and the outcomes it generates. Get the evidence to demonstrate social value to your stakeholders.
Resources

Get two complimentary logins to the Social Traders Portal. Gain access to the largest network of certified social enterprises, online tools and ability to post opportunities throughout the program duration - valued at $6,500 + GST.

What to expect

Many SMEs complete this 6-month program better equipped to meet client expectations, strengthen supply chain resilience, and contribute meaningfully to social and economic inclusion. Below are a few things to consider before signing up for the program.

Commitment

Up to two staff members per organisation to participate. Approximately 15 hours of coursework plus, additional time spent engaging with our portal resources and gathering procurement spend data.

Eligibility

Open to SMEs with less than $100 million turnover or 50 or fewer employees, ensuring the program is tailored for the needs of smaller organisations.

Program fee

$3,000 + GST which includes diagnostics, training, reporting and networking. You'll also get complimentary portal access (valued at $6,500 + GST) for the duration of the program.

Sponsorship

Social Traders members can sponsor four SMEs in their supply chain for $12,000 + GST.

Interested in the program?

Fill out the form below to express your interest and one of our team members will contact you to further discuss the program details.

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