Social impact, entrepreneurship, and innovation — if it’s interesting news, you’ll find it here. These stories may not be the ones on top of your news feed, but chances are they’re the ones you’ll actually want to read. Whether it’s opinions on creating positive social change – or simply the valuable lessons learned along the way, here’s a round up of the past month’s most interesting articles.

Being a Social Entrepreneur During COVID-19 

Life has changed drastically over the last few months, for everyone. Here’s a look into what the rapid change was like for Young Change Agents co-founder and CEO, Margaret O’Brien. Hindsight is 20/20, after all and there is a lot to be learnt by looking back on the year so far, young as it is.

7 Steps for Keeping the Lights On: Support for Social Enterprises (COVID-19 Impact Response)

The COVID19 outbreak is still unfolding with significant impact on small businesses, especially social enterprises and Indigenous business. Major disruptions to our work and social lives are expected for many months to come. Planning is critical in order to survive an immediate loss in revenue, cash flow constraints, due liabilities, disruption in supply and most importantly impacts on employees.

Why Funding the Arts Matters 

Every sector is clambering for funding and government support throughout COVID-19 and beyond, but when it comes to arts, funding has never been forthcoming. By examining the challenges our society and communities face from different perspectives, the arts contribute to social change.

Social Change During Crisis: Why Social Enterprises Are Needed Now

Around the world, social entrepreneurs are necessary catalysts for social change. Quick to see what is wrong in the world, social enterprises have been key players in bringing necessary change to individual people, communities, and the world at large.

Has This Toilet Paper Company Solved the Greatest Supply-chain Crisis of Our Age? 

Toilet paper might have been the hottest commodity over the last month and Who Gives a Crap was able to keep up with demand through the subscription model they’ve had in place for some time, securing not only their success now, but security for the future. Are they the golden example for other social enterprises to safeguard themselves in the future?

The Coronavirus Crisis: A Catalyst for Entrepreneurship 

Businesses have stepped up to share their resources with their communities throughout this tricky time, something social enterprises have been doing forever. It’s also shown the true hearts of many big brands – for better or worse. So, how will the challenges of COVID-19 change the way businesses think and operate and how can social entrepreneurs lead the way?

Strategies for Restoring Purpose: Storytelling

When founders of social enterprises come across challenges in sustaining their purpose throughout organisational growth, how can they get back on track? In this post, Alessandra Wulf explores some of the strategies and solutions for those who may have lost their purpose along the way. Her findings aren’t just important for those who are experiencing challenges, but they are also useful for those who want to maintain their purpose over time.

Social Enterprises Adapt Amid COVID-19

Finding new ways to empower Australia’s most vulnerable in the age of social distancing and soaring unemployment is no mean feat, but Australia’s social enterprises have risen to the challenge. Whether it’s turning to online outlets or pairing up with other enterprises for maximum impact, many organisations have needed to get creative.

Social Impact from Home: Benefits and Drawbacks 

Life has changed for many of us over the past several weeks. We’ve had to acclimate to Zoom meetings, spending the day in our pyjamas, and workspaces surrounded by kids, clutter, and distractions. What could this mean for our social impact?

Coronavirus is changing the way we recycle waste and it’s not all bad news 

Many social enterprises are focused on providing sustainable options for consumers but with plenty of concern over hygiene in the last few months, many places usually providing sustainable options have needed to adjust to prioritise health and safety. Despite this, there is clear evidence that the efforts put in by many social enterprises to encourage communities to go green has worked, with people more keen than ever to be recycling and reducing waste.

Social Enterprise Governance: The Best Theories

Being a member of a social enterprise board means you need to have an understanding of governance. Governance refers to the set of systems, principles and processes by which a social enterprise is governed. They provide the guidelines as to how the enterprise can be directed or controlled such that it can fulfill its goals and objectives. Governance is known to be one of the criteria that impact investors are increasingly depending on when deciding on which enterprises to invest in.

Coronavirus: The End of Narcissism? 

Rhetoric matters and with every politician crowing a ‘We’re all in this together’ message, there has been a definite shift in the attitude of communities all over the world. From thinking all about ‘me’ to thinking more about ‘we’, a deep appreciation for those out there on the frontline and a concern for the most vulnerable, could this attitude translate into greater support for social enterprises?

How to Measure and Report Your Social Impact 

According to the popular management consultant Peter Drucker, “you can’t manage what you can’t measure” and this holds true, even for organisations inherently making the world better. Learn how to get on top of measuring and reporting your impact.

Aussie Social Enterprises Unite to Shake Up Victorian Food System

While Victoria’s food social enterprises are relatively small, they’ve found a way to combine their power and create food security right across the food system from farm to table throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Not only does this approach mean they can still reach vulnerable people, it also means they can all stay afloat throughout a difficult time.

Corporate Australia Are Helping Social Enterprises Weather the COVID-19 Storm

Social enterprises impacted by the COVID-19 crisis can now leverage the skills of corporate Australia to help address their current business challenges, thanks to a new collaboration between Social Impact Hub, Westpac Foundation and Social Traders.