The advisory group of eight sector leaders was convened by the South Australian Social Enterprise Council (SASEC) and the national group Social Traders, which works towards integrating social enterprises into supply chains.

Co-chair of the advisory group, Amy Orange, said social enterprises are businesses like any other but make the world a better place by creating jobs for the most marginalised, providing services for underserved communities or protecting the environment.

Orange, who works for Social Traders, is an InDaily 40 Under 40 alumnus from 2018. 

“A recent report released by Social Enterprise Australia estimates there are more than 800 social enterprises in South Australia, but there is yet to be any formal recognition or support for these innovative businesses from SA Government,” Orange said.

Theresa Brown, SASEC chair and co-chair of the advisory group said social enterprise strategies have been developed and implemented by state governments in Victoria and Queensland with incredible results.

“Victoria’s first strategy was introduced in 2016 and they now have over 3,500 social enterprises employing around 60,000 people, and generating $5.2 billion to the Victorian economy each year,” Brown said.

“It is time for the SA government to step up, recognise and invest in our state’s growing social enterprise sector to drive positive social and environmental outcomes through their innovative business models.”

The advisory group is rolling out a campaign in 2023 to increase awareness of social enterprise within SA Government, and to advocate for a co-designed SA Social Enterprise strategy to be developed, endorsed and implemented in partnership with the sector, with appropriate investment by SA Government.

Nominations for this year’s 40 Under 40 are now open and will close at the end of the month. The winners will be announced at a gala dinner at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday 8 June and will join Amy Orange as an alumnus of the growing and influential network.