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Understanding Social Procurement and Social Enterprises

Social procurement is a powerful strategy that integrates social enterprise, social enterprising, and certified business enterprises into business supply chains. This approach not only fulfills corporate social responsibility but also creates significant societal and economic benefits.

By engaging with Direct Mail Solutions’ enterprise program, facilitated by Collective Impact, businesses can leverage the power of social trading to contribute to inclusive economic growth while addressing pressing social challenges. Partnering with certified business enterprises ensures sustainable and ethical sourcing, reinforcing the long-term benefits of social procurement.

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What is a Social Enterprise?

...and how does it contribute to positive change?

Social enterprise definition: the meaning of a social enterprise is a business that operates with the primary goal of creating positive social or environmental impact while maintaining financial sustainability. It reinvests profits into its mission rather than maximising shareholder returns.

In simple terms, it’s a process that helps people or the environment by using its profits to support its mission instead of making money for owners.

Australian social enterprises are gaining momentum, with numerous initiatives aimed at strengthening the social enterprise in Australia landscape.

How Our Social Procurement Process Works

Our social procurement process enables businesses to seamlessly align their purchasing decisions with positive social impact. By prioritising community-driven initiatives alongside financial sustainability, companies can drive meaningful change through their procurement choices.

We streamline social procurement by integrating a certified social enterprise and two charities already embedded in our supply chain.

Collective Impact

Social enterprise facilitating the ethical and responsible procurement of print and mail services

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Businesses investing in our direct mail services – whether in just print or print and mail – will have their contracts fulfilled in our factory by our trusted partner, Collective Impact.

Collective Impact then partners with employment and mentoring charities to seamlessly manage contracts, ensuring Direct Mail Solutions customers drive real social change.

Social Engine

Job training and sustainable employment opportunities for individuals facing barriers to work

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Collective Impact employs staff through Social Engine, creating valuable opportunities for those facing barriers to work through workplace programs.

70% of Social Engine participants secure sustainable employment after completing the program, contributing to reduced unemployment and enhanced community well-being.

Big Brothers Big Sisters

One-to-one mentoring for young people, fostering confidence, resilience, and brighter futures

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The revenue generated from Collective Impact work is then invested into Big Brothers Big Sisters, further supporting mentorship and community-building programs.

1 in 4 young people face discrimination, and 1 in 3 struggle to find work. With suicide the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15-24, Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring empowers young people, strengthening their confidence, resilience, and future opportunities.

This initiative positively impacts people in need across diverse communities, including refugees, Indigenous Australians, and other underrepresented groups, fostering economic inclusion and social equity

By choosing us as your social procurement partner, businesses actively participate in a socially responsible supply chain, ensuring their print and distribution contracts contribute to sustainable employment and community development while still meeting their operational needs.

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Getting Started with Social Procurement

Ready to make a positive impact with your business spend?

Follow these simple steps to get started with social procurement. In just a few easy steps, you will receive a tailored quote that aligns with your business needs while contributing to meaningful social change.

Here’s how to begin the process:

1

Submit Quick Quote Form

Complete our quick and easy quote form below or give us a call to learn how we can support your needs, our role in the process, and the positive impact on the wider community

2

Receive Your Quotation

Within hours, receive a tailored quote that not only meets your business needs but also highlights the social procurement benefits included

3

Support Social Impact

Create a meaningful social impact through your business spend and drive positive change

Get a quick quote

Our quick 30-second form lets you submit anytime after adding your contact details for a callback. By submitting, you agree to receive our emails, with the option to unsubscribe anytime.

Prefer to talk now?

Paul D'Arcy

Paul D'Arcy

Direct Mail & Print Specialist

sales@directmailsolutions.com.au

1800 706 245

Frequently asked questions

A social enterprise is a business that prioritises social impact alongside financial sustainability.

Unlike traditional businesses, a social enterprise business reinvests profits into its mission to create lasting change. Certified social enterprises operate across various industries, providing ethical solutions while driving positive community outcomes.

There are many examples of social enterprise in Australia, such as businesses that provide employment for marginalised communities or support environmental sustainability.

An example of a social enterprise business is one that partners with organisations like Social Traders certified enterprises to ensure ethical procurement and measurable social impact.

Social procurement allows businesses to align their purchasing decisions with meaningful impact. Companies engaging in procurement businesses benefit from advantages of social enterprises, such as improved brand reputation, stronger stakeholder relationships, and contributions to economic inclusion.

Social enterprise businesses examples demonstrate how organisations can integrate social responsibility into their operations.

Businesses can engage with social enterprises in Melbourne through direct partnerships, purchasing from social enterprise companies, or obtaining social traders certification to ensure ethical supply chains.

Supporting businesses with social impact helps create more job opportunities and strengthens local communities.

Partnering with a social enterprise company ensures that business spending contributes to positive change. Social enterprise certification guarantees accountability, while social impact businesses create employment and social inclusion opportunities.

The benefits of social enterprises extend beyond profit, fostering long-term social and environmental improvements.