Social Enterprise Summit 2026
The Belinda Hutchinson Building, University of Sydney Business School
Darlington NSW, Australia · Accessibility info
Description
Australia’s premier social enterprise event is back. Bigger, bolder, and more impactful than ever.
Hosted by SECNA, the 2026 Social Enterprise Summit brings together leaders across business, government, and purpose-driven ventures to reshape how Australia does business.
Whether you are scaling a business-for-good, starting out on your founder journey, supporting social enterprises, or looking to maximize your organisation's social procurement spend, this is your home for actionable insights, strategic connections, and fresh perspectives.
Why Attend?
Discover & Innovate: Explore cutting-edge products, emerging business models, and game-changing social procurement strategies.
Real Case Studies: Unpack how leading social enterprises are tackling Australia's toughest social and environmental challenges.
Direct Access: Engage directly with government decision-makers, corporate funders, and impact-driven executives.
Tailored Content: Choose from 'mild', 'medium' and 'spicy' speaker streams designed specifically for Social Entrepreneurs and Business, Funder & Government Representatives.
🎟️ Bonus 2-Day Pass Included
Your Summit ticket includes complimentary access to Day 2: the Social Enterprise Festival (Saturday, 14 November)—a hands-on celebration packed with market stalls, interactive workshops, and ethical products where every purchase creates positive impact.
💡 Need a pass? Volunteer roles are available! Apply to volunteer here.
We are proud to present this event alongside our 2026 partners: Xero for Good, University of Sydney, NSW Government, MTC FutureReady, City of Sydney, Gateway Bank, and Bambuddha Studios.
Gallery
Agenda
- 9:00 am - 9:45 am
Registration and social enterprise market
- 9:45 am - 10:30 am
Opening speakers
See speaker program: https://canva.link/neukkdq66ahhsap
- 10:45 am - 12:45 pm
Speaker program (for businesses, funders and government - morning)
Mild topics: - Everything you need to know about social enterprise in 37 minutes - There's a social enterprise for that! Easy ways to switch to social enterprise suppliers Spicy topics: - Social procurement in action: levers to truly shift spend - 6 Social Enterprises with circular solutions for businesses and government See speaker program: https://canva.link/neukkdq66ahhsap
- 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Speaker program (for social enterprises - morning)
Mild topics: - Four things you need to know to run a sustainable social enterprise - Kickstart your social enterprise. What it takes to build a viable social enterprise, in the cities and in the regions. Medium topics: - Social Enterprise Masterclass. What’s new and best practice. - Inclusion is messy. Unpacking the questions you thought you couldn’t ask. Spicy sessions: - How to work with government: best practice supply and advocacy - Uncomfortable topics, trade-offs and taboos. The big picture conversations we need to have. See speaker program: https://canva.link/neukkdq66ahhsap
- 12:45 pm - 1:30 pm
Lunch and social enterprise market
- 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Speaker program (for businesses, funders and government - afternoon)
Mild topics: - Supplier diversity and economic inclusion: opening the door to new suppliers and strengthening social cohesion - How and why local and state governments are supporting social enterprise Spicy topics: - Where to next for Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs)? - World changing partnerships and how to make change stick See speaker program: https://canva.link/neukkdq66ahhsap
- 1:45 pm - 3:45 pm
Speaker program (for social enterprises - afternoon)
Mild topics: - Building a brand, community and audience around your customer and your mission - Money, money, money - how to find it and what's new in funding Medium topics: - Business growth, sustainable scaling, and how to do it differently - People and culture: Strengthening the people who strengthen communities. Spicy topics: - Impact stacking and what comes after you solve the problem? - Endings and second acts: What happens when things don’t go to plan See speaker program: https://canva.link/neukkdq66ahhsap
- 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Networking function
Testimonials
I found the Festival to be an inspiring and energising experience. it was a great opportunity to connect with passionate changemakers, learn from innovative social enterprises, and explore new ideas.
It was beautiful and unique.
FAQs
- How do I get there?
The venue is Belinda Hutchinson Building (Business School), University of Sydney.
It is easily accessible by train, bike or foot. It is a short, flat 10 minute walk from Redfern Station (Little Eveleigh exit) or nearby bus routes.
- How do I get updates?
Ticket-holders will receive regular updates on speakers, workshops, market stalls and programming.
You can also follow SECNA on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram, visit our website, or subscribe to our monthly newsletter.
- How do I contact someone about this event?
Event enquiries: festival@secna.org.au
- Can I volunteer?
Yes! We love volunteers who are happy to help keep the Summit well organised and free flowing. If you have great people skills and are keen to help, apply to be a volunteer here.
And yes, volunteers (with a 2.5+ hour commitment) get free tickets to the whole Summit (Friday 13 November) and Festival (Saturday 14 November)
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The Belinda Hutchinson Building, University of Sydney Business School
Darlington NSW, Australia
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