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Are you passionate about creating positive change in Australia but struggling to secure the resources needed for your game-changing solution? The Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowship, offered by The Myer Foundation & Sidney Myer Fund, is the answer. This prestigious program provides exceptional leaders with a full year dedicated to their social change idea and a generous grant of $180,000. Open to individuals from various sectors, this fellowship offers a unique opportunity to turn dreams into reality. Learn valuable tips from previous fellowship alumni who have successfully stood out in the highly competitive application process.

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Discover a life-changing opportunity for migrants and refugees with a passion for entrepreneurship. The ACU Co-Lab Migrant Incubator Series is a FREE eight-week, transformative learning program designed to equip aspiring changemakers with the knowledge and skills needed to launch successful businesses in Australia. With industry experts guiding you every step of the way, you’ll gain actionable insights and practical tools to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. Plus, you’ll have the chance to win $10,000!

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Learn about the inspiring journey of Loretta Bolotin, founder of Free to Feed, a celebrated social enterprise cooking school that empowers refugees through culinary experiences. Like many founders, Loretta encountered the isolation and loneliness that often accompanies being a leader in social change. Fortunately, a unique opportunity led her to join a group of equally motivated individuals, igniting a transformative journey that reshaped both her personal and professional outlook. Loretta’s journey powerfully demonstrates the potential of social enterprises, emphasise the crucial role of fostering a sense of belonging and highlights the profound impact of food as a unifying force.

Continue reading "Cooking Up Change: The Social Enterprise Rebuilding Lives Through Food"

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The United Nations’ latest report reveals a concerning trajectory, with the world unlikely to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Impacted by climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, the COVID-19 pandemic and conflict, progress has halted and inequality is rising. With only 12% of targets on track, urgent action is needed.

Continue reading "The Ticking Clock: A Reality Check on Sustainable Development Goals"

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While Mick Cronin’s fierce determination has been an enduring force behind the success of a criminal youth justice and social enterprise initiatives transforming the lives of young offenders in Victoria for more than 16 years, he says he’s become even more ambitious as a changemaker since earning a Westpac Social Change Fellowship.

Continue reading "The Fellowship Effect: Amplifying a Social Changemaker’s Ambition"

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Here we explore the advantages of being a social impact organisation, including enhanced brand reputation, increased employee engagement, attraction of top talent, access to new markets, stronger stakeholder relationships, long-term sustainability, personal fulfilment, and customer loyalty. By understanding and embracing these benefits, organisations can maximise their potential for success while making a positive difference in the world.

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Before buckling up on the social enterprise rollercoaster, it’s essential to ask yourself some critical questions to you’re starting on solid foundations. To save you a bunch of time and heartbreak, here are five key questions you should consider before diving headfirst into starting a social enterprise.

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Social enterprises are businesses that aim to create social and environmental impact in addition to generating profit. Despite their noble goals, these enterprises often face a myriad of challenges that can lead to failure. In this article, we explore the top 5 reasons why social enterprises fail, and what you can do to avoid these pitfalls.

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Here are the best social enterprise opportunities happening right now. If you’re passionate about creating positive social and environmental impact, these scholarships, funding rounds, capacity-building programs, podcast series and exposure opportunities will be right up your alley and a perfect way to build your skills, knowledge, credibility and confidence.

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While crises dominated daily headlines, there were multiple impactful developments and major milestones in the social enterprise sector, many of which will reverberate into 2023 and beyond. From game-changing research to a remarkable Social Enterprise World Forum, here are the year’s most significant social enterprise headlines and happenings worth recognising and celebrating.

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If you’re a social entrepreneur, it’s easy to be focused on helping others at the expense of your personal emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. The catch is that a proactive approach to building your mental health toolkit can seem overwhelming when you are already overwhelmed. In this post, Jenni Harding shares three keys steps and resources to help you avoid burnout (and even thrive) as a social entrepreneur.

Continue reading "Putting on Your Own Lifejacket Before Burning Out"

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Cessalee Smith-Stovall has a name for her imposter syndrome. It’s Tyrone. She says when she applied for the Westpac Social Change Fellowship, she had to ask Tyrone to leave. For people who spend their days working to improve the lives of others, it can be uncomfortable to look inward. But it can also be transformative.

Continue reading "Looking Inward as a Social Innovator (and Why You Should Apply for a Westpac Social Change Fellowship)"

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The Myer Innovation Fellowships support breakthrough solutions to Australia’s most pressing social and environmental challenges and bring new talent to the social sector. Fellows are offered funding and the unique opportunity to take twelve months away from their current role to pursue a big idea that has the potential to achieve positive social outcomes.

Continue reading "Oh Myer God! $150,000 to Make Your Big Idea for Social Change a Reality"

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There are multiple things that can be done to create an inclusive environment within the workplace, one where employees feel valued and welcomed. If you strive for your for-purpose organisation – whether it’s a social enterprise, B-Corps, charity or not-for-profit – to be as inclusive as it is diverse, here are a few tips to help make it happen.

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Many people will be familiar with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). What they may not realise is that there are 169 underlying target areas developed to create a clear roadmap for a better future. Unfortunately, of these target areas are aimed at government action and don’t easily translate into what individuals or organisations can do. Until now.

Continue reading "Rising to the UN SDGs: Small Steps to Make Meaningful Progress"

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Over the past ten years, the Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowship program has supported some of Australia’s brightest, self-directed leaders to forge breakthrough solutions to challenges facing Australia today — from poverty and disadvantage to sustainability and the environment. Unlike many opportunities for social change, the Fellowship program provides support to individuals rather than organisations, with Fellows each receiving $150,000 for their 12-month commitment to the program.

Continue reading "If You’re Looking to Make Your Groundbreaking Idea a Reality, It Doesn’t Get Much Better Than This"