Work Integration Social Enterprise (WISE) infographic

This infographic, based on research led by the University of Melbourne and the University of Queensland, gives a visual overview of Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs), for-purpose businesses that create jobs, work experience or employment pathways for people facing barriers to work rather than existing to maximise shareholder profit. It sets out WISEs' main employment goals, from building job readiness to offering long-term careers, alongside data on how they generate income (mostly through trading, with additional revenue from government contracts and grants) and how they compensate participants, including award wages, supported wage agreements and training placements.

It also shows the range of organisational structures WISEs use, spanning not-for-profit, hybrid, for-profit and cooperative models. This resource is most relevant to social enterprise practitioners, researchers, funders and policymakers wanting a quick, data-backed snapshot of the WISE sector in Australia.

This taxonomy is derived from the project survey and informed by past research led by members of the research team. It should be interpreted as comprehensive but not definitive; a tool for conversation within and beyond the WISE sector. Illustration by Jessamy Gee | Think in Colour.