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This library holds a chosen collection of useful tools, guides, and resources in the social enterprise sector. You can explore guides, articles, and more to support your journey. If you're starting a social enterprise, facing sector challenges, or looking into the impact economy, you’ll find something useful here.
Suggest a new educational resource or update here to help keep this library useful.
This journal article examines how work integration social enterprises (WISEs) affect the health and wellbeing of employees with psychosocial disability, meaning people whose mental health conditions interact with social barriers to limit their participation in work and life. Drawing on a six-year Australian case study, it finds that workplace culture matters as much as the job itself. Relevant to WISE practitioners, funders and policymakers.
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“How Communities Awaken” by Vivian Hutchinson explores active citizenship, community development, and Māori cultural wisdom. Based on the Taranaki Masterclass and Community Conversations, these essays provide insights on fostering connection, creativity, and social change.
'How Communities Awaken', Vivian Hutchinson
This resource is currently being developed. If you would like to be notified when it is published, please email team@understorey.org.au.
How Legal Structures Shape Impact Investing.png?w=192)
This article by Sally Osberg and Roger Martin examines how social entrepreneurs drive systemic change, highlighting Andrea and Barry Coleman’s Riders for Health. By addressing transportation gaps in African healthcare, the Colemans exemplify how leveraging expertise and engaging stakeholders can create sustainable impact. The authors argue that successful social entrepreneurs focus on specific needs while aligning broader ecosystems, enabling transformative change that goes beyond business-driven outcomes.
How Social Entrepreneurs Make Change Happen
This Stanford article shares nine practical strategies for strong board leadership in social enterprises. It explains how board chairs can build a positive culture, clarify roles, support executive leaders, plan for succession, recruit the right members, and address underperformance to create a respectful and effective board.
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This resource, adapted from the teaching profession, provides social enterprise leaders with strategies for navigating challenging management conversations. It highlights the ineffectiveness of "hard sell" or "soft sell" approaches in driving change and maintaining relationships. Instead, it introduces the "Open to Learning" framework, emphasising validity, respect, and commitment. Leaders are guided to approach conversations with shared decision-making and an open mindset, offering a practical tool for addressing performance issues and implementing change in dynamic work environments.
How To Have Challenging Conversations. Tips From Organisational Science
This video walks through HubSpot's new Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO) tool, which tracks how visible a brand is on AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini and Perplexity.
How to Rank #1 in AI.png?w=192)
Theaster Gates is a potter and community leader who shares how he transformed empty, run-down buildings into places where people can connect and create. In this talk, he shows how to see problems as opportunities, start with what you already have, and use art and culture to bring communities together and create positive change.
How to revive a neighborhood: with imagination, beauty and art
This guide, developed by Impact Business School, helps businesses understand and apply human rights law in everyday practice. It offers a practical starting point for turning values like fairness and dignity into everyday business decisions.
Human Rights is Our Business
This webinar, marking World Human Rights Day, explores the role of human rights in business. Featuring sector leaders and advocates, it shares insights on the importance of embedding safety, dignity, fairness and inclusion into everyday business operations. It outlines Australia’s current human rights framework, and highlights opportunities for social enterprises to lead rights-respecting business practices.
Human Rights is Our Business
The Humans of Purpose Podcast features weekly conversations with purpose-driven leaders exploring impact, purpose and meaningful work. Hosted by Mel Greblo, each episode brings insight into leadership, systems change and community-centred innovation.
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The ILO Decent Work Agenda promotes fair, secure, and productive employment worldwide. It provides policy guidance, resources, and best practices to support job creation, labour rights, and social protection.
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Impact Boom has undertaken 100s of interviews with social entrepreneurs and change-makers from across Australia and around the world. Produced as podcasts and blogs, their platform provides an amazing range of impact insights and stories.
Impact Boom Blog and Podcast
The Impact First Investing Tool is an interactive online tool that helps philanthropic organisations model how impact-first investments, which prioritise social outcomes over financial returns, could increase their overall impact over time. Useful for foundations, family offices, and donor advised funds exploring alternatives to traditional grant-making.
Impact-First Investing Tool
This self-guided Playbook supports Australia’s impact investing ecosystem. It offers practical modules on impact investing, impact measurement, and revenue diversification. Designed for investors, advisors, and organisations seeking funding, it helps users understand how impact capital works and how to prepare for investment.
Impact Investing Hub Playbook
Impact-led design 2.0 is a way to create programs and projects that are built around the change we want to see, not just around funding or activity. It uses evidence, lived experience, co-design and systems thinking to make solutions stronger and more effective across sectors such as government, philanthropy, business and not-for-profits.
Impact-led design 2.0
This resource is currently being developed. If you would like to be notified when it is published, please email team@understorey.org.au.
Impact Measurement for Social Enterprises
Social Good Outpost hosted a webinar sharing how social enterprises begin and evolve their impact measurement. With insights from TABOO, Echo Impact, and Native, the session explored practical ways to track what matters, centre community outcomes, and embed ethical, meaningful measurement into everyday business practice.
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This playbook by Acumen and EY provides a framework and case studies for building inclusive businesses that benefit low-income and marginalised communities while remaining financially sustainable. It offers practical guidance on strategy, governance, workforce inclusion, and impact measurement.
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The Inclusive Service Standards provide a framework for culturally safe and inclusive service delivery, particularly in aged care. They offer training, self-assessment tools, and case studies to help organisations embed inclusivity and improve service practices.
'Inclusive Service Standards', Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing
This research explores how a disability-inclusive social enterprise in hospitality can create meaningful jobs and lasting social change. Using Hotel Etico as a case study, it shows how inclusive design, strong relationships and co-creation with people with disability can transform workplaces, attitudes and employment systems.
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The AIGI Indigenous Governance Toolkit supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to build strong and culturally grounded governance. It provides practical tools, case studies, and guidance to help communities strengthen leadership, decision-making, and accountability while respecting culture, tradition and self-determination.
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Indigenous Knowledge Centres (IKCs), operated by the State Library of Queensland, empower Indigenous communities to preserve culture, share knowledge, and integrate modern technology. They support local leadership, digital access, and cultural innovation.
Indigenous Knowledge Centres (IKCs)
This collection of research publications from Old Ways, New explores Indigenous knowledge systems and how they inform modern technologies, design, governance and cultural practice. The work highlights Indigenous perspectives on artificial intelligence, patterns of knowledge, equity, inclusion and deep connections to Country. The resource brings together reports, papers, chapters and research outputs that centre Indigenous expertise and guide ethical engagement with complex systems.
Indigenous Knowledge Research Publications – Old Ways, New
The Indigenous Knowledge Systems Lab (IKS Lab) is a research and public-facing platform centred on Indigenous ways of thinking, knowing and doing. It brings together Indigenous practitioners and researchers to explore how Indigenous knowledge systems can inform complex global issues, policy, design and culture. The Lab creates space for relational, respectful approaches to research, knowledge sharing and collaboration across disciplines.
Indigenous Knowledge Systems Lab – Deakin University
The ILSC supports Indigenous communities in reclaiming and managing land and sea Country. By providing funding and fostering partnerships, it helps restore ecosystems, creates economic opportunities, and strengthens environmental governance. Through projects that integrate Indigenous knowledge with modern conservation practices, the ILSC promotes leadership and sustainable development, ensuring the restoration of cultural and ecological heritage for Traditional Owners.
Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC): Supporting Indigenous Stewardship.png?w=192)
This video series explores 'Indigenous Leadership in Business,' highlighting themes of collective leadership, stewardship, relationships, community benefit, and cultural responsibility to inspire empowerment and transformative change.
Indigenous Leadership in Business
The Indigenous Protocols Bundle is a practical resource created to help people engage respectfully with Indigenous communities and knowledge systems. It offers guidance for non-Indigenous organisations, researchers and practitioners who want to build ethical working relationships. The Bundle explains key protocols for communication, decision making and collaboration. It emphasises Indigenous authority over Indigenous knowledge and encourages users to approach cross-cultural work with care, patience and openness.
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The ‘Inner Development Goals (IDGs)’ framework outlines 23 essential skills and qualities to foster personal growth, leadership, and systemic change, enabling individuals and organisations to better address global challenges like the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) provides training, courses, and practical resources to strengthen governance in the community sector. It supports not-for-profits and social enterprises with tools, technology guidance, financial information, and free learning materials to help boards and leaders manage their organisations effectively.
Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) - Tools and Resources.png?w=192)
Protecting intellectual property is essential for social enterprises. IP Australia offers info on patents, trademarks, and more, including registration support.
Intellectual Property Australia (IP Australia)
This is an International Labour Organization (ILO) interview with Richard Warner, CEO of Nundah Community Enterprises Cooperative, a worker cooperative for people with disabilities in Brisbane. It shares how the cooperative built inclusive, sustainable employment over 25 years.
Interview with Richard Warner, Coordinator and CEO of Nundah Community Enterprises Cooperative in Australia-1.png?w=192)
This podcast episode features Sally McGeoch from the Westpac Foundation, discussing her journey, social enterprise challenges, and opportunities. The conversation covers funding, collaboration, and impactful initiatives supporting meaningful employment for marginalised groups.
'Interview with Sally McGeoch discussing inclusive employment', Room for All – Inclusion in Hospitality Podcast.png?w=192)
This guide, supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, helps communities manage funds from renewable energy projects and other sources. It covers fund management models, practical steps for distribution, case studies, governance, and long-term sustainability. By providing best practices and real-world examples, it equips communities with the tools to reinvest in local initiatives, ensuring transparency, resilience, and long-term benefits.
'Investing in your community: A guide to managing community funds', Highlands and Islands Enterprise-1.png?w=192)
This guide by Social Ventures Australia (SVA) helps organisations assess program suitability for the Australian Government’s $100 million Outcomes Fund. It outlines key funding criteria, evaluation methods, and practical guidance for securing outcomes-based contracts and social impact bonds (SIBs).
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This knowledge resource from Kowa Collaboration captures insights from three national First Nations UMEL Learning Circles, which explored how Understanding, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning is practised in First Nations social enterprise settings. It argues that Aboriginal-led evaluation is already strong and that systems need to change to reflect that.
Knowledge and Practice Insights for the Social Enterprise Sector
Landcare Australia empowers local communities to take action on environmental issues through conservation and sustainable agriculture. By supporting land restoration, revegetation, and sustainable farming, Landcare fosters community engagement and provides funding, training, and resources. The organisation also focuses on biodiversity conservation through collaborative projects that protect native species and ecosystems, ensuring long-term, sustainable environmental solutions.
Landcare Australia: Community-Led Conservation
This report by the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship supports social enterprise leaders in tackling unique challenges like balancing social impact with commercial goals, managing diverse teams, and meeting stakeholder expectations. Grounded in global insights from interviews, case studies, and surveys, and developed with input from experienced social entrepreneurs, it offers practical, stage-specific guidance. Designed as a collaborative tool, it fosters knowledge sharing and equips leaders with strategies to drive mission-driven organisations effectively.
Leadership in Social Enterprise - How to Manage Yourself and the Team
This resource from Champions of Change Coalition introduces the Inclusive AI Pledge and Prompt, practical tools for leaders who want to build gender equality into how they use AI. It argues that now is the moment to act, before bias becomes baked into AI systems. Useful for leaders, managers and anyone using AI at work.
Leading on Inclusive AI
This Learnbook covers systems innovation. It shows how to shift from small improvements to deeper transformation. It explains how fixing problems in existing systems differs from redesigning those systems. You’ll find practical tools and examples to help achieve long-term, meaningful change.
Learning Towards Zero - Learning in + from Practice in Systems Innovation.png?w=192)
Dieter Helm’s video lecture series examines the steps needed for a sustainable economy, addressing polluter responsibility, resource maintenance, and investment, with detailed insights, downloadable slides, and an accompanying book.
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This article outlines a national conversation led by the Australian Law Reform Commission on legal structures for social enterprises. It explores whether current laws support purpose-driven business models and invites input on how legal reform could better enable social enterprises to grow and deliver impact.
Legal Structures for Social Enterprises – a nationwide conversation on law reform
This resource is currently being developed. If you would like to be notified when it is published, please email team@understorey.org.au.
Lessons from Failure: A Funder's Perspective | Part 2
Failure is often where the most valuable learning happens. In this candid conversation, social enterprise leaders share personal stories of setbacks, tough decisions and unexpected lessons. Together they explore resilience, risk, leadership and how embracing failure can strengthen both impact and long-term sustainability.
Lessons from Failure: Shaping Social Enterprises | Part 1
This report, published by White Box Enterprises, explores how France embeds work-focused social enterprises within its national employment system. It argues Australia could learn from France's approach as it redesigns its own employment services, particularly around funding and recognising these enterprises' role.
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This resource is currently being developed. If you would like to be notified when it is published, please email team@understorey.org.au.
Let's Talk About Youth Engagement
This foundational paper by Donella Meadows introduces 12 leverage points within systems where small interventions can drive significant change. It highlights the potential of paradigm shifts in addressing complex challenges, while acknowledging the resistance systems often present to such transformations.
Leverage Points: Places to Intervene in a System
Discover Tyson Yunkaporta’s concept of “making embassy,” which fosters respectful, reciprocal, and meaningful relationships between people, groups, and systems. Rooted in Indigenous cultural practices, it emphasises relationality, shared purpose, cultural respect, and adaptability. Explore how this dynamic approach creates spaces for dialogue, collaboration, and the intersection of diverse knowledge systems.
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This article shares practical tips for managing a social enterprise effectively. It covers leadership, financial discipline, team management, and staying focused on mission while running a sustainable business. The advice is designed to help social entrepreneurs balance impact goals with strong operational performance.
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This Justice Connect guide outlines the key legal obligations organisations have towards volunteers. It provides practical examples, templates, and tips to help organisations navigate crucial areas, including the legal differences between volunteers, employees, and contractors; managing volunteer relationships; ensuring volunteer safety; addressing unlawful workplace behaviour; and handling intellectual property, privacy, and record-keeping issues.
Managing volunteers