The Purpose-Led Enterprise Movement Is Growing On The Sunshine Coast
Today’s times demand collaboration over competition, connected communities and new ways of thinking which create systemic change. Spread around the Sunshine Coast is a growing movement of impact-led enterprises using business to tackle social, environmental and cultural issues. So what is happening on the ground in Kabi Kabi Country?
Recently, Impact Boom led the ‘The Impact Drive - Purpose-Led Enterprise Enterprise Bus Tour’ for a jam-packed day exploring a range of social enterprises. We sought to answer some of the above questions, learn from the teams on the ground, share stories, foster connections and spark interest to see the ecosystem develop further, particularly in the lead up to the Social Enterprise World Forum 2022 in Australia.
We heard from some of the key ecosystem leaders working hard to develop Queensland's strong grassroots movement, as well as the high-potential enterprises on Impact Boom’s FFWD Accelerator program proudly supported by Sunshine Coast Council.
With change comes opportunity. Let’s back our local businesses, and particularly those whose primary mission is to create a better world for all. Here are the enterprises we visited and how the Tour unfolded…
The tour began in the studio of Julie Laidlaw, founder of The Clay Society. With 25 purpose-led individuals standing around her workshop, many of whom are current participants in the Flow Forward Sunshine Coast Social Enterprise Accelerator, Julie explained her journey into setting up a creative studio which is giving back to the community.
Candles, gift boxes and ceramics lined the walls of the workspace, and it was immediately clear how much love goes into creating each product by Jules and her team. The Clay Society’s product outreach is nothing short of incredible, especially considering that only five workers create every piece for sale. Throughout Christmas, this small workshop with only two kilns produces cases of ceramics to be sold in stores across Australia, yet The Clay Society only partners with businesses that are as committed to sustainability as they are.
To see Jules’ successfully scaling her enterprise without compromising her social values was inspirational and made every member of the tour further realise the growing potential of social enterprise.
The Clay Society has been providing support for Remote Laundries, a community-led Indigenous initiative making a difference in the Northern Territory. After each member of the tour collected a gift bag filled with a coastal themed ceramic dish and information about The Happy Boxes project proudly supported by The Clay Society, the tour group hopped onto the bus and began the ride to the next location. The time in transit however was not wasted, as each tour member introduced themselves and mingled to learn about each other’s professions and passion for change.
On arriving to SevGen’s latest project, a beautiful bushtucker orchard and First Nation’s retreat set in the rolling hills of Cooroy, Founder Terri Waller, walked us through the beautiful property which has been set up as a social enterprise.
The potential for creating strong social impact was evident as Terri explained the broad array of plans in what is set to become one of the region’s most exciting enterprises to watch.
We were treated to homemade muffins and tea, made with ingredients straight from the property and were given the opportunity to try the delicious Davidson plums that are ready for harvest.
After hearing from other experienced staff involved in the project, it was time to head to the next destination.
After parking in the main street of Eumundi, the tour group dismounted the bus and seated themselves outside EATS Restaurant. Established in 1989, EATS is dedicated to solving the problem of poverty through serving wholesome, nutritious and locally sourced food. EATS CEO, Katie Johnston, provided an engaging discussion highlighting how the restaurant has used a conventional business model to tackle intergenerational poverty. Many members of the tour found it shocking to learn that it takes an average of 11 generations for a family to be lifted out of poverty.
With Katie’s dream set on expanding her impact globally, offering income for households while feeding communities sustainably, Katie’s ambition became infectious and other members of the tour group began to share their own stories over a delicious lunch.
With social enterprises like EATS operating in plain sight, it is a great example that more conventional businesses can embrace the social enterprise model and do good business, while doing good.
Once everyone’s plates had been cleared, the group jumped on the bus once again to drive to the final stop on the social enterprise tour.
Arriving at Waste Free Systems, founder Bernie Craven shared insights into his career, which began firstly as a hairdresser in Melbourne but then lead to him becoming an entrepreneur focussed on reducing waste and applying circular economy models.
Waste Free Systems have created a comprehensive system which allows rubbish to be sorted efficiently, allowing participating retailers to recycle materials, minimise landfill and ensure their business is reducing their environmental footprint. Bernie also shared other projects which reuse waste collected by Waste Free Systems, one of which being devices to assist children who are missing limbs. The development of these devices generated significant media attention, and it is clear that he has no intention on slowing down his expansion to recruit more businesses and establish more waste pick-up points to provide resources for his next social impact project.
After asking a series of questions to gain further insights and bidding Bernie farewell, the group hopped back onto the bus for the final time, driving back to where the tour began.
At this point it became obvious by the excited chatter amongst the group that long-lasting connections had been formed, and that the social enterprise movement of the Sunshine Coast is in passionate and capable hands. Whilst there is work to be done to grow the movement further, we’re greatly encouraged by the work happening on the ground and look forward to helping it grow further.
On the day we were joined by Sam Hagen of The Human Story, a Sunshine-Coast videographer who focusses on telling stories that create impact. Thanks to Sam for the video above.
Impact Boom would like to thank…
Sunshine Coast Council for supporting our Flow Forward Accelerator Program.
The amazing impact-led enterprises/entrepreneurs who welcomed us and joined us on the day including:
Hamlet Homes
Australian Tiny Home Pods
