Queensland Social Enterprise Council

The finalists for the Lord Mayor's Business Awards have been announced today - and we want to celebrate the four organisations up for the Hutchinson Builders Social Enterprise Award! Congratulations to: → Austep → Happy Paws Happy Hearts Foundation → Help Enterprises → White Box Enterprises We'll be there on Thursday 6 November to cheer you all on 🥳 Brisbane Economic Development Agency Adrian Schrinner

The Queensland Government is strengthening the social impact sector in Queensland. 💪 $1.6 million in funding over 4 years will be provided to the Queensland Social Enterprise Council, as announced in the 2025-26 State Budget to ensure continuous peak body representation across the state. The funding is being provided by the Office of Social Impact’s Social Entrepreneurs Fund. QSEC has been working closely with the government on the development of a roadmap to support the future of social enterprises and impact investment in Queensland. Find out more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gu8z7cXs Adele Laughton | #SocialImpact #SocialEnterprise #ImpactInvesting

Your organisation might be more exposed to cyber risk than you think.   Not-for-profits and social enterprises hold some of the most sensitive personal data, yet too often lack the tools and resources to defend it. Cyber criminals know this - making our sector a prime target.   That’s why we’re teaming up with WorkVentures to unpack findings from an in-depth cyber security review of NSW community services. In this free webinar, you’ll discover: ➤ The most common cyber security gaps facing NFPs ➤ What the sector is getting right ➤ Practical, low-cost steps you can take now to reduce your risk ➤ Real stories from NFPs lifting their cyber security game   Join us on Tuesday 2 September @ 10:30am 👉 Register here – https://lnkd.in/gCzm6k3m

Queensland’s young leaders are shaping the future - and last week’s 40 Under 40 Awards highlighted some truly remarkable talent.   Big congratulations to QSEC member Saara Jamieson, founder of Cool Beans Underwear Pty Ltd, for taking home the Game Changer Award. With her innovative approach to men’s health and fertility, Saara is turning heads - and changing lives - one “cool bean” at a time.   We also want to celebrate 40 Under 40 finalists Shannon Lemanski from Aqua Ubique and Tiffani Seaton from Young Change Agents. Your creativity, drive, and commitment to making an impact show exactly why Queensland’s entrepreneurial and social enterprise community is so dynamic.   Congratulations to all category winners and finalists!

What does it really mean for business to make an impact? Yesterday at SEVENTEENx Brisbane, we got some inspiring answers.   Huge thanks to Mick Hase, QUT Business School, SDG Align and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand for hosting such an energising evening.   A few highlights from the night: → Heidi Hauf made us rethink every aspect of flying as she unpacked the environmental impact of the aviation industry (our CEO Adele Laughton is still geeking out over those stats!). → Dominiqe Bird shared his journey from food truck owner and BBQ enthusiast to creating employment opportunities in construction for people facing barriers to work. → Dan Leverington flashed his childhood best & fairest trophies while reflecting on economic forces in sustainability - and the opportunities for positive impact. → Cori Moran inspired us with her work in bush regeneration and the unforgettable moment of meeting Sir David Attenborough through the Cisco Foundation.   What an inspiring night - so much energy, insight, and impact in one room. Already looking forward to the next!

Round 2 of Skilling Queenslanders for Work is now open. The refreshed program is focused on getting the right training to the right people - delivering stronger outcomes for job seekers, employers and communities. What’s new? ➤ Less red tape and simpler compliance ➤ More flexibility to design projects that lead to real jobs ➤ A sharper focus on job-readiness and long-term employment Projects can support Queenslanders who often face extra barriers to work - from young people and women re-entering the workforce, to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, mature-age job seekers, veterans, culturally diverse communities and recently released prisoners. Applications close 5pm, Thursday 9 October 2025. 👉 Find out more here - https://lnkd.in/gPMJ5-r4 Department of Trade, Employment and Training

Big ideas don’t only belong in big cities. The new CH CoLab coworking space in Emerald is proof that innovation thrives in the regions. It’s a place where local entrepreneurs, community groups and creatives can share ideas, build partnerships and turn plans into action without leaving the Central Highlands. From private offices to a podcast studio, the CH CoLab is designed for connection. And every dollar earned here goes straight back into the community, funding housing and services for those who need them most. As Sean Dillon MP said at the launch event, “Emerald is a key resources community that has worked hard for the benefit of Queenslanders across the state. The opening of this facility gives locals a place to collaborate and grow, supporting the local economy and giving back to the community.” It shows that regional Queensland can create opportunities just as boldly as any city. Next time you are in Emerald, this is a space worth visiting. Find out more: Website - https://lnkd.in/gURGUW5T LinkedIn - https://lnkd.in/gPWMf2wu Central Highlands Community Services Wendy de Leeuw Neil Silvester #coworkingspace #socialimpact #innovation #CentralQueensland  #BuildingOurRegions

Local Jobs, Local People grant – now open for applications. The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations is offering up to $250,000 for projects in relevant Employment Regions that create genuine pathways to secure work for people facing barriers to employment. If your proposal can connect local people with real job opportunities, especially through partnerships with local businesses, this could be the funding to make it happen. Find out more and apply -> https://lnkd.in/gDcUEAvG

Cyber threats are getting smarter. Is your organisation keeping up? Not-for-profits and social impact organisations often hold highly sensitive personal data, yet many operate with limited resources and expertise to protect it. The risks are real - and preventable. Join QSEC and WorkVentures for an insightful webinar unpacking the lessons learned from an in-depth cyber security assessment of NSW community services organisations. You’ll learn: → Where the sector is doing well → The most common security gaps → What ‘good’ looks like in practice → Simple, actionable steps to reduce your risks Tuesday 2 September @ 10:30am 👉 Register here – https://lnkd.in/gCzm6k3m

QSEC is on the lookout for two new team members: Sector Engagement Lead - As our Sector Engagement Lead, you’ll work at the intersection of impact and enterprise. You’ll connect with businesses across the state that generate revenue through trade, build local economies, and tackle complex challenges, all while creating a connected, commercially capable, and inclusive social enterprise ecosystem. Operations and Member Support - The Operations and Member Support role is the operational backbone of QSEC, ensuring members are supported, systems run smoothly, and the organisation is well-positioned to deliver high-impact work. If one of these roles sounds like you (or someone you know), we’d love to hear from you. Details in the links below 👇 Sector Engagement Lead - https://lnkd.in/g8XtPgRM Operations and Member Support - https://lnkd.in/gWUj4bwZ