2022 is a banner year for the social enterprise community as we take our turn playing host to the Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF), bringing together diverse voices and presenting a global perspective of social entrepreneurship. The National Social Enterprise Strategy is also well underway, and a federal election is on the horizon (with the economy being a key talking point). It’s a big year for social enterprise.

Brisbane will host SEWF on 28-29 September, the once-in-a-lifetime-can’t-miss multi-day event will feature panels, roundtables, and open forums. Attendees will leave with new knowledge and skills to measure impact and run a social enterprise.

SEWF is an opportunity for social enterprise leaders and practitioners worldwide to network and exchange ideas. SEWF has been to Hong Kong (2016), Christchurch (2017) and Edinburgh (2018). Addis Ababa jumped in the year before last (2019), it then went digital in 2020 thanks to COVID-19, and was held virtually in 2021 thanks to hosts Nova Scotia, Canada. In 2022, thanks to major partners Westpac Foundation, Torrens University Australia and SAP, and supporting partners Tourism Queensland, MinterEllison and Griffith Yunus Centre, our humble Brisbane city has the great honour of hosting. It’s going to be a hybrid event, so expect both in-person and online events.

At SEWF 2022, you’ll have an opportunity to learn about social enterprise from a global perspective. What are other countries doing to get social enterprise on the national agenda from a policy level? What does Australia need to strengthen and grow? SEWF is also a unique opportunity to accelerate the formation of state-based networks in Australia, encourage greater social procurement efforts, and break down silos in the sector to ultimately work on a National Australian Social Enterprise Strategy. Participants will have the opportunity to contribute to the discussion and meet with members of state-based councils to share their perspectives.

Following a very successful Australian Social Enterprise Virtual Unconference, held in July 2021, the excitement builds about Brisbane’s SEWF. With opportunities to join in person or virtually, consider buying a ticket to join in the celebration of global and Australian social entrepreneurship and discover ways to keep the momentum building.

But it’s only February, right?! September seems like a lifetime away. Good news! Enter Re(Purpose), an event to kickstart a year of game-changing activities in the sector, amping up the excitement for SEWF coming to Australia, showcasing all the happenings throughout 2022 in every state and territory and more!

Presented by Westpac Foundation, Torrens University, White Box Enterprises, SEWF and Digital Storytellers, (Re)Purpose is a fantastic opportunity to hear from businesses for good like Who Gives A Crap, APY Collective and TABOO who are creating real impact within communities every day.

APY Collective knows that art centres are powerful places, vital to the community. The art centres of the APY Lands are unique by way of their prestigious position within the Indigenous art industry and their commitment to collaborate across the region on large-scale artistic projects and events. It is reported that over 800 million women are currently living in period poverty around the world – TABOO was established to work towards eradicating global period poverty and improve menstrual well-being. They sell period products throughout Australia, with all company profits, education initiatives and advocacy efforts dedicated to their mission.

New to the social enterprise sector? This event is the perfect opportunity to understand the power of the sector firsthand. Hear incredible stories from real communities that benefit from social enterprises and connect with leaders who are driving real change at every level, building out the sector for the next decade of impact.

Traditional online conferences are all about getting people up on stage while the audience listens and then logs off. Re(Purpose) is turning tradition on its head, creating a space where powerful stories are embedded in every aspect of the event. The conference will:

• Embody our values as a movement – inclusivity, allyship to First Nations business sector, and ‘weave’ people through innovative interaction, accessibility
• Empower co-creation with our enterprises and closer partners, by asking them to invite guests into a sophisticated, produced virtual event experience
• Showcase a set of unique stories from the social enterprise sector
• Assist guest wayfinding into deeper participation with the sector via breakouts

Here’s what to expect on the day:

• Inspiring conversations with Who Gives a Crap, APY Art Centre Collective and TABOO
• Updates from the National Social Enterprise Strategy team
• The launch of SEWF 2022 (with discounted tickets for attendees!)
• An engaging platform designed to enhance connection
• Workshops and thematic networking

If we’re to succeed in attaining the noble aims of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, no one can afford to sit on the bench. Let’s kick off a big year for social enterprise at Re(Purpose): How Australian social enterprises are redefining prosperity. Register now to join us at (Re)Purpose on Wed 16th Mar 2022, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm AEDT.