The Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF), co-hosted by White Box Enterprises, is coming to Brisbane, Australia in 2022!

Impact Boom, supported by the English Family Foundation, has been leading the bid since 2017, with a committed belief in the strength of Australia’s collective social enterprise voice. If you’re interested in hearing what was involved, you can listen to the podcast on Impact Boom here. We know we have a lot to show for on the global stage, and we know our community could benefit from the incredible learnings from other countries. 

What is SEWF 2022?

SEWF is an opportunity for social enterprise leaders and practitioners from around the world to network and exchange ideas. The multi-day event of roundtables, panels and open forums will discuss issues relevant to running a social enterprise, measuring impact and navigating the ecosystem.

SEWF has been to Hong Kong (2016), Christchurch (2017) and Edinburgh (2018). Addis Ababa jumped in the year before last (2019) and then it went digital in 2020 thanks to COVID-19. 2021 is virtually being held in Nova Scotia, Canada and 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.

What does SEWF 2022 mean for Aussie social enterprises?

At SEWF 2022, you’ll have an opportunity to learn about social enterprise from a global perspective. What are other countries doing from a policy level to get social enterprise on the national agenda? What does Australia need in order to strengthen and grow? 

The Social Enterprise World Forum is also a unique opportunity to accelerate the formation of state-based networks in Australia, encourage greater social procurement efforts, and to 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 perspective. 

How can I get involved?

Come along to the Social Enterprise Unconference happening July 21! This is your opportunity to co-design the message that Australia presents to the global social enterprise community. 

In the Unconference format, no central figure writes the agenda. Instead, the agenda is developed based on sessions attendees request to run. Essentially, participants choose what conversations they wish to create or participate in. It’s free, so register here right now! You’ll find all the information about the agenda submission process too.

See you there!

The Social Enterprise World Forum acknowledges the Turrbal and the Yuggera People, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the Forum is held and pays respect to the Custodians of all Country throughout Australia. We recognise a continuing connection to land and the vital role First Nations knowledge will play in shaping our shared future.