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Published Jun 2024

Peer learning and support

These are communities that come together around topics of social enterprise interest and impact. They support development through nurturing new conversations, ideas and connections.

Introduction to peer learning and support

These communities or peer networks invite people to engage around an area of social enterprise interest and impact. They have an intention to help each other through building relationships and sharing learning. They operate with less formality and structure than deep experience communities.

The key attributes of peer learning and support learning communities are that they:

  • Focus on a place or themes of social enterprise activity.
  • Convene meet-ups (online) to connect and share experiences.
  • Explore new ideas.
  • Organise knowledge-sharing and connection events.
  • Share updates on planned and delivered activities.
  • May evolve into Deep Experience learning communities over time.

Global examples

Some global examples of peer learning and support communities include:

Peer learning and support learning communities

  • Tall eucalyptus trees surrounded by dense green undergrowth in a forest setting.

    First Nations Projects Institute: Funding models for self-determination

    This learning community will explore diverse funding models across First Nations enterprises and values-driven approaches to funding and finance.

    Learn more
  • Aboriginal-style artwork with connected circular motifs and decorative patterns in earthy colours.

    Kowa Collaboration: Supporting people and planet to thrive

    A learning community bringing First Nations business owners and leaders together to share knowledge and explore how Understanding, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (UMEL) can support people and planet to thrive.

    Learn more
  • Full moon rising above tree silhouettes, framed by leaves in the foreground.

    Humanize Media: Governance our way

    This learning community will be building a toolkit that brings together Aboriginal Elders, community and practitioners to explore how Aboriginal Terms of Reference can transform governance, leadership and enterprise.

    Learn more
  • “OUR FUTURE” text over a tropical riverside scene with bright green pandanus plants.

    First Nations Affairs: Climate, Country and our future

    This learning community brings together representatives from Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) active in environmental care, land management, and climate adaptation initiatives.

    Learn more
  • Person sitting on red earth drawing tracks in the sand with their hands.

    Common Ground: The power of First Nations storytelling to change systems

    A national peer learning community led by Common Ground First Nations exploring how storytelling drives systems change and strengthens First Nations creativity, leadership and knowledge across the social enterprise sector.

    Learn more
  • Turquoise coastal inlet with white sand dunes and distant green vegetation under a clear blue sky.

    Enterprise Partnerships WA: Kimberley First Nations Women Entrepreneurs

    This CoP is designed to offer peer learning, skill development, and a nurturing space for solidarity, connection and motivation for First Nations women entrepreneurs in the Kimberley.

    Learn more
  • Sunlit escarpment above expansive forested valleys under a bright, partly cloudy sky.

    Dark Lightning: Reconciliation Action Plans alignment

    A peer learning community focused on deepening understanding of how Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) can genuinely support First Nations social enterprises and community-led economic development.

    Learn more
  • Trees framing a cloudy sky with soft light and layered clouds.

    Cox Inall Ridgeway: First Nations arts enterprise sector development

    A national peer learning community for First Nations-led arts and creative enterprises to strengthen capability, sustainability, and impact in the social enterprise space connecting cultural integrity with business innovation and community benefit.

    Learn more
  • Six pairs of bare feet standing in a circle on green grass, with leaves and bark in the centre.

    Percolab Coop: South Coast social enterprises

    This learning community is focused on the South Coast region of NSW. It invites social enterprises and social entrepreneurs on the NSW South Coast who are curious about the world of social enterprise, to explore this together.

    Learn more
  • Person sitting alone on a bench under a large tree, with sun rays streaming through the branches in a peaceful natural setting.

    ARISE Foundation: Empowerment through employment

    This learning community will focus on sharing knowledge and practices to enable recovery, healing and financial independence for survivors of Domestic and Family Violence (DFV).

    Learn more
  • Four people discussing sustainability, holding items like plastic bottles, an orange bag, fresh vegetables, and wearing a construction vest and helmet.

    WA Social Enterprise Council (WASEC): Starting up to succeed

    A peer learning community supporting micro social enterprises in Western Australia to build knowledge, confidence and connection - focusing on early-stage ventures, marginalised leaders, and regionally-based enterprises.

    Learn more
  • Woman reviewing a data chart.

    The Data Conversation: Data learning community

    Social enterprises deal with many different types of data - from data on their inventory to data on their impact, and everything in between. This learning community aims to support small and start-up social enterprises with all aspects of data.

    Learn more
  • Close-up of a water droplet falling into a calm surface, creating circular ripples in blue-toned light.

    SIMNA: Impact measurement roundtable

    SIMNA's peer learning and support learning community will create a space for those looking to enhance the capability of their social enterprise in measuring and managing their social impact effectively.

    Learn more
  • A group of women seated around a table in a bright meeting room, listening to a standing woman leading the discussion.

    Young Change Agents Ltd: K-12 Education

    A national learning community for social enterprises working in K–12 education across Australia. Convened by Young Change Agents, this group connects, supports, and grows the collective impact of education-focused social enterprises through regular collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

    Learn more
  • Hands arranging colourful sticky notes with labels like "Customer," "Problem," and "Journey Map" on a UX design canvas during a collaborative planning session.

    Sustainable Value: Good impact

    These good impact sessions will help develop the capability of South Australian social enterprises to measure and report their social outcomes and impacts.

    Learn more
  • A black dog wearing glasses sits among a group of people in a casual meeting setting, with notebooks and a coffee mug nearby.

    STREAT: WISE models of supported training and employment pathways

    This is a learning community for practitioners working in social enterprises that help others into training and jobs. This group is a chance to share ideas, learn from each other, and feel supported in your work. Whether you’re new to the space or have been doing it for years, you’ll be part of a community that helps each other grow, stay motivated, and create real impact — all while having a bit of fun along the way.

    Learn more
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Peer learning and support | Understorey