The NSW Government has affirmed its commitment to boost social enterprises by signing an agreement with Social Traders to buy goods and services from certified social enterprises.
Social Traders certifies social enterprises, connects them to NSW government agencies and provides additional support to increase how much is spent with these businesses.
Social enterprises are businesses that trade to create social or environmental change. Social enterprises are businesses like any other - cafes and caterers, builders, manufacturers, recruitment firms and IT support - but their distinct social or environmental purpose supports public or community benefits.
By buying goods and services from social enterprises, the NSW Government provides direct benefits to staff and beneficiaries of the business, including people with disabilities, people with mental health illnesses, migrants and refugees, veterans, long term unemployed people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
NSW Government spending with social enterprises was $34 million in 2021-22.
This renewed agreement announced today between the NSW Government and Social Traders allows for government agencies to buy goods and services from certified social enterprises. It will also provide supplier development sessions and benchmarking to ensure best practice.
The database of social enterprises, managed by Social Traders, includes 101 social enterprises located in NSW.
Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos said:
"Social enterprises deliver benefits, such as driving employment opportunities, for those who need them most. Opening up access to the government's procurement system to social enterprises highlights our commitment to growing the NSW economy, taking care of small businesses and promoting positive social change.
"Leveraging the NSW Government's procurement spend to partner with social enterprises is all upside.
"By selecting a business certified by Social Traders when procuring goods and services, government agencies are supporting businesses that exist to benefit the public or community, including by creating jobs for groups facing higher barriers to employment."
Social Traders CEO Tara Anderson said:
"Social Traders are excited to start our 4th year of partnership with NSW Government. Thanks to their forward-thinking approach, together we're creating the opportunity for hundreds of government buyers to unlock impact with their everyday spending.
"As Australia's largest state government, there is a huge opportunity to scale this work and enable more certified social enterprises to increase their impact for the most disadvantaged in our communities."
Find more information on:
- buying from social enterprises
- Social Traders.
