New initiative boosts support for Auckland enterprises

New initiative boosts support for Auckland enterprises trading for social good

Social Enterprise Auckland (SEA), a member organisation designed to empower and represent businesses working for sustainable social change in Auckland, was launched today at a half-day funding summit that brought together social entrepreneurs, funders and policymakers at the University of Auckland Business School.

Opening the summit, Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye applauded the establishment of the organisation, noting that it will provide valuable support infrastructure for social enterprise efforts in Auckland. “Social enterprises have a valuable role to play in supporting strong, resilient communities and fostering innovative responses to social and environmental challenges.”

The ‘Beyond Purpose’ summit saw good turnout from a mix of local social enterprises including mature social businesses such as YWCA and the Elevator Group as well as more recent start ups such as North Shore-based change management consultancy Changeability, up-cycling business The Pallet Kingdom which makes furniture out of discarded pallets as well as empowering vulnerable youth, and Miranda’s Te Whangai Trust assisting the long-term unemployed and youth with life and work skills.

The new initiative aims to help build capability and connections within Auckland’s social enterprise sector, says SEA Board member and social entrepreneur Dr Jamie Newth. “We want to help social enterprises in Auckland reach their full potential - providing access to information and expertise that can help people with great ideas get started, find funding, and provide sustainable social, cultural or environmental benefits for our communities.”

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

About Social Enterprise Auckland

Social Enterprise Auckland (SEA) is a collaborative group of social enterprises and their supporters working for sustainable social change in Auckland.

A hub for inspiration, information and connection, we’re here to empower and represent enterprises trading for social good in Auckland.

We want to help social enterprises thrive, changing the way Auckland does business and delivering social, environmental and economic benefit for all Aucklanders.

Social Enterprise Auckland was initiated by collaboration between Auckland Council, Akina Foundation, academics, funders and practitioners.

About social enterprise

Social enterprises use business models for a social purpose such as better health, equality, education or environment. Statistics quantifying the contribution of social enterprise in New Zealand are scarce. However, the potential for the sector is substantial:

• According to Social Traders Australia, an estimated 20,000 social enterprises now exist in Australia, contributing some 2% of GDP
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• In the UK there are an estimated 70,000 social enterprises that contribute £55 billion to the UK economy.

ENDS

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