Social enterprises are businesses that put people and planet first and have a positive impact in our community. Their impact could be because of who they employ, the goods and services they provide, or donating their profits to charities.
Social enterprises are important in building an economy that is inclusive, fair, stable and sustainable.
There are five global standards set by the Social Enterprise World Forum:
- Purpose: Exists to solve a social and/or environmental problem
- Prioritises purpose, people and planet over profit in operational decisions
- Revenue: Has a self-sustaining revenue model
- Use of Surplus: Reinvests the majority of any surplus towards its purpose
- Structure: Chooses legal structures and financing that protect and lock-in purpose long term.
Local social enterprises
Wollongong City Council supports and encourages local social enterprises that work in our community.
Below is a list of local social enterprises that are verified through Social Traders or People and Planet First.
Please note that details may change without notice.
| Business nameBusiness name | SectorSector |
|---|---|
| Business nameBus Stop Films | SectorArt, entertainment and recreation |
| Business nameChocolate on Purpose | SectorFood and beverage |
| Business nameEnviro Management Services (EMS) (formerly IVS, Wollongong) | SectorEnvironmental services; printing and distribution services; disability employment |
| Business nameFlagstaff Group | SectorResource recovery; packaging; printing; cleaning; garden; food and beverage; cleaning and maintenance; health and wellbeing; wellbeing and personal care; physical fitness; education; civic engagement: public awareness; civic engagement: grassroots organizing; civic engagement: public policy |
| Business nameGreen Connect | SectorEnvironmental Services |
| Business nameGreen Yakka | SectorLabour and environmental services |
| Business nameGreenacres | SectorProperty stewardship; primary processing; manufacturing; sanitation; food and beverage; cleaning and maintenance; hospitality and travel: catering, restaurant, experiences; art, entertainment and recreation: visual arts; education; welfare: caregiving |
| Business nameOwn Words | SectorCommunity and social services; human resource services and recruitment; training and education services |
| Business nameResource Recovery Australia | SectorEnvironmental services |
| Business nameRoboFit | SectorHealth and wellbeing |
| Business nameTender Funerals | SectorHealth and wellbeing |
| Business nameThe Illawarra Flame | SectorAdvertising and media, marketing and communications |
| Business nameThe Plant Room Cafe | SectorFood and beverage |
| Business nameWorklife Coledale | SectorBusiness and administrative services; office supplies and services; venue hire |
Add your business
If you're from a local social enterprise not listed above, we'd love to hear from you.
Email participate@wollongong.nsw.gov.au or call us on (02) 42277111 to ask us to add your business to this list.
Please note, your business must be verified through Social Traders or People and Planet First to be listed on this page.