Report on Identified Social Enterprises (RISE)

For the first time, we've combined the data we hold on 636 certified social enterprises with two other credible datasets: ACNC and Map for Impact. This brings the total number of social enterprises analysed in this report to almost 6,000 – the largest dataset to be analysed in Australia.

This report is broken into two key sections, each analysing different data. 

Section 1: We analyse 5,795 social enterprises from across Australia – the largest dataset ever analysed. This comes from three existing sources: Social Traders certification, Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC) and Map for Impact. 

Section 2: Within this section we hone in on a subset of 636 Australian certified social enterprises, with the data sourced through Social Traders certification process. This dataset is the largest longitudinal source of information on the impact of Australian social enterprises.

Full report Accessible version

Good Cycles

Social enterprises are a resilient mechanism for generating social and environmental impact.

86%
of social enterprise revenue is drawn from trade.
23%
of social enterprises are drawing all revenue from trade.
68%
of social enterprises reported a net profit (more than SMEs and charities).


We analysed the social and environmental impact of 636 certified social enterprises in Australia. Each year they contribute:
15.8 million
hours of paid employment to beneficiary employees.
13,000
employment pathway outcomes.
906,000
hours of employability training.
$230.9 million
in community goods and services.
$33.7 million
in donations to charitable organisations.
1.2 million
tonnes of waste diverted from landfill.


Social enterprises contribute to an inclusive, sustainable and equitable Australia.

27% of revenue
is spent on generating impact.
43% of jobs
are filled by people facing the greatest barriers to employment.


When applied to the estimated 12,000 social enterprises in Australia, that equates to:
$5.7 billion
spent every year on delivering impact.
89,000
people who face barriers to work being employed.

We recommend that the Federal Government introduces a national social enterprise strategy and a Commonwealth Social Procurement Policy that explicitly references support for certified social enterprises, fostering their development and growth across Australia.


Partner with us

We invite partners, peak bodies, government, philanthropy, intermediaries and data holders to join us in this ongoing initiative, publishing insights that will help drive the growth and development of the sector.

Let’s work together to build a more inclusive, sustainable and equitable future for all Australians.

Image: ASRC Catering

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