The Social Enterprise World Forum will be held digitally this year, on September 21-25. In the weeks leading up to the event, we’ll be partnering with other organisations to engage and connect with a variety of social enterprises. With the effects of COVID-19 still being felt around the globe, there is currently a deep need for social impact. 

Economic recovery and community well-being is possible—but only with a supported and connected social enterprise ecosystem. Enterprising Stories will be a national storytelling campaign for Australia that will allow us to grow the impact economy together. 

Here’s everything you need to know, and what you can expect:

Enterprising Stories: Who

We’re partnering with other organisations to bring a variety of broadcasts and social enterprise stories from around Australia. 

Digital Storytellers

Digital Storytellers is a “purpose-driven film-making agency.” They combine positive narratives with impactful stories to truly make a difference. Sharing knowledge, resources, and stories that matter, they can turn any story or idea into a beautiful film—like those produced by the 5,000 storytellers who have trained with them. 

Impact Boom

With a passion for transforming ideas into maximum positive impact, Impact Boom is one of the world’s most dedicated changemakers. They’re a certified social enterprise themselves that is dedicated to developing the global social enterprise ecosystem. They use a podcast and blog to share interviews with leaders from around the globe and address complex problems with some of the latest insights and newest resources.  

Alliance of Social Enterprise Networks Australia (ASENA)

In response to this year’s social and economic changes, ASENA has emerged as a voice for the Australian social enterprise sector. Formed earlier this year, they’re made up of members from seven state and territory members including: SENVIC (Victoria), SECNA (NSW and ACT), QSEC (Queensland), SASEC (South Australia), Impact North (Northern Territory), and will soon include the social enterprise network from Tasmania. 

Enterprising Stories: What

This live online show will highlight all of the inspiring people and businesses who are giving us all a glimmer of hope for a post-COVID-19 economic transformation. Each episode will feature a key story on a chosen theme, along with two shorter stories that provide learning and inspiration opportunities. There will be eight episodes in total, along with an optional post-show learning circle (for a small fee) for a deeper dive into the week’s theme as well as a short opportunity for networking.  

Enterprising Stories: When

Episodes will be aired every Friday, from 3-4PM AEST, starting on 7 August.

Tickets for the broadcast (3-4PM) are free and the learning circle and open networking chat can be purchased for $10. 

Enterprising Stories: Where

Where does Enterprising Stories take place? In the office, in your living room, on the tram—it’s wherever you are. You can even watch the pilot episode (Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, with Shilo McNamee) right now! 

Find it on Vimeo and check the campaign’s website to buy tickets.  

So, tune in, show up, bring a friend, subscribe, and become a sponsor of the show! 

Enterprising Stories: Why

There’s no doubt about it, Australia’s economic recovery is in need of businesses that operate well, are supported for growth, and can access Australia’s purchasing and procurement opportunities. Above all, Australia requires businesses designed for impact. 

Social enterprise is the necessary business model for a post-COVID future. We’ve designed Enterprising Stories as a way to not only introduce new audiences to Australian social enterprises but also connect stakeholders to the nation’s social enterprise ecosystem.  

Using a co-creation process, the event will continue to support and promote a shared social enterprise narrative and allow new and existing actors to get connected and stay connected. With the help of Digital Storytellers, enterprises can market their services and YOU can get involved with some of Australia’s most inspirational impact organisations. 

So, join us for the largest global gathering of changemakers from Australia and around the world. There’s great potential for COVID-19 to accelerate us to something even better than what existed before, but it won’t happen without a connected and thriving ecosystem of Australian social enterprises. Join us for #EnterprisingStories and then stay connected with a Social Change Central membership.