Percolab Coop: South Coast social enterprises

About the learning community

The purpose of this learning community was to connect, learn and uplift social enterprises on the South Coast of New South Wales - particularly smaller social enterprises in the Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and Bega Valley. It seeks to co-create a social enterprise movement in this region through connecting and sharing learning.

Understanding social enterprise and connecting with the social enterprise sector is gaining interest in the South Coast region. There is also confusion about who is or isn't a social enterprise, and how they fit into the business ecosystem. Individuals and enterprises working on social and environmental challenges are keen to connect with others doing similar work. Micro-businesses and small businesses in this region are deeply committed to community and hope to amplify their individual and collective impact for all people and the planet.

About the convenor

Percolab Coop develops and shares new ways of working, governing and learning, in the spirit of the commons and in service of a sustainable and peaceful future. Percolab functions as an applied research lab.

Beginning in Canada in 2007 and growing across the world - with individually governed organisations also in Australia, France and Vietnam. In Australia, Campfire Coop worked with communities and organisations using co-creation processes and participatory leadership practices since 2017, becoming a Percolab cell in 2024 with a  focus on introducing healthy practices of collaboration and equity into all parts of society.

Percolab holds a strong belief that organisations have the power and responsibility to contribute to the future. Percolab is on its discovery path as a social enterprise.

How did this learning community work?

This learning community gathered online 6 times (2 hours per meeting) between June 2025 - May 2026. 

The first gathering was designed to develop connections and understanding of our ecosystem, and identify issues for exploration in further sessions.

It applied participatory practice as foundations for the online gatherings, allowing space for everyone to contribute, and to share power.

It shared collective learnings, including the participatory practices used, through blog posts and a case study about what emerges from this group.

How to learn more

If you are interested in finding out more, contact mel@percolab.coop.