Social Enterprise Summit 2026
The Belinda Hutchinson Building, University of Sydney Business School
Darlington NSW, Australia · Accessibility info
Description
Australia’s number one social enterprise event just got bigger
This year's SECNA event includes a Social Enterprise Summit for business, government and social enterprise leaders (Friday 13 November) and a fun, friendly and hands-on Social Enterprise Festival (Saturday 14 November).
Why a Summit?
Social enterprises are:
Tackling Australia's biggest social and environmental challenges
Turning 'business as usual' on its head
Reshaping local economies
Offering high quality, high impact goods and services for governments and businesses wanting to see their procurement dollar go further
Expect a day of insight, connection and practical guidance, with speaker streams for social enterprises (whether you're a new start-up or a $100 million business-for-good) and for businesses, funders and government (whether you're hearing about social enterprise for the first time or wanting to deeply understand the latest models and innovations).
Why attend
Discover new social enterprise products and services
Learn about new ways of working, doing business and how procurement is changing
Dive into case studies of how social enterprises are tackling social and environmental challenges
See social procurement in action and speak to the experts to help guide you
Engage directly with social enterprise, business and government leaders
We are grateful for the support of our 2026 partners: University of Sydney, NSW Government, MTC FutureReady, City of Sydney, Gateway Bank and Bambuddha Studios.
Note: Your ticket also includes an optional pass for day 2, which brings the community together for a fun, friendly and hands-on celebration of social enterprise. Explore market stalls, hands‑on workshops, talks, activations and thousands of products that put people and planet first. Every purchase helps create positive social or environmental impact - a switch for good.
Need a free ticket?
Vounteer roles available. Apply here.
Gallery
Agenda
- 9:30 am - 10:00 am
Registration and social enterprise market
- 10:00 am - 10:30 am
Opening keynote
- 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Expert speakers, panels and workshops (for businesses, funders and government - morning)
Mild topics include: - 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 include: - Social procurement in action: levers to truly shift spend - Going Green: businesses and government bringing circularity and sustainability into supply chains well
- 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Expert speakers, panels and workshops (for social enterprises - morning)
Mild topics include: - Social Enterprise 101 - Kick start your social enterprise. What it takes to build a viable social enterprise, both in the cities and in the regions. Medium topics include: - Social Enterprise Masterclass. What’s new and best practice. - What does inclusion really look like? The pros, cons and pitfalls. - The Power to Ask: what stops people from asking for what they want and need, and how to overcome it Spicy sessions include: - Selling to government - Evolving your government relations strategy - Uncomfortable topics, trade-offs and taboos. The big picture conversations we need to have.
- 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Lunch and social enterprise market
- 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Expert speakers, panels and workshops (for businesses, funders and government - afternoon)
Mild topics include: - 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 include: - Where to next for Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs)? - World changing partnerships and how to make change stick
- 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Expert speakers, panels and workshops (for social enterprises - afternoon)
Mild topics include: - Building a brand, community and audience around your customer and your mission - Money, money, money - where to get it and what's new Medium topics include: - Let's Grow: Business growth, sustainable scaling, and how to do it differently. - People and culture - attracting, keeping and protecting your people on a small budget Spicy topics include: - Impact stacking - What comes after you solve the problem? - End strategies: managing planned and unplanned exit and closure of social enterprises - Big pivots and turnarounds
- 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Networking function (invitation only)
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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Social Enterprise Festival 2026
Belinda Hutchinson Building, University of Sydney, Darlington NSW, Australia