Resource library
This library offers a curated collection of valuable tools, guides, and resources that exist in the social enterprise sector. Explore guides, articles and many more to support your journey, whether you’re starting a social enterprise, tackling sector challenges, or navigating the impact economy.
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168 results found
The ‘Three Horizons Framework’, developed by Bill Sharpe, is a strategic tool for managing long-term transformation. It maps three phases of change—current systems (Horizon 1), visionary futures (Horizon 3), and the transition zone (Horizon 2)—helping organisations navigate innovation and address emerging challenges. Widely used in future thinking and strategic planning, the framework offers practical steps for bridging the present with transformative visions.
Discover T.E.S.T., an anti-oppressive framework for ethical storytelling that prioritises the rights and needs of all individuals. T.E.S.T. empowers Story Holders to control their narratives while providing Story Caretakers with principles to ensure safe, ethical storytelling. Explore related resources, including guides and an ethical storytelling video, to deepen your understanding.
This video examines how societal power dynamics—capitalism, patriarchy, and racism—shape behaviours, leadership, and business outcomes. It explores healing power structure wounds, aligning leadership with values, and empowering individuals through self-awareness and systemic change.
QSEC, ArcBlue and Gov Ready held an interactive webinar exploring what it means for social enterprises to be procurement ready. Drawing on experience across government and private sector procurement, the session shared practical strategies to help social enterprises position themselves effectively, communicate their value, and demonstrate capability.
Unpacking the Social Economy
WebinarsThis resource is currently being developed. If you would like to be notified when it is published, please email team@understorey.org.au.
This booklet goes beyond the Business Model Canvas as a general tool. It outlines how Ingrid Burkett, an Australian social entrepreneur, applies the Canvas to the specific needs of social enterprise. The booklet walks you through how to use the Canvas step-by-step.
This report provides an excellent guide to developing impact measurement and management strategies. Critically, it advocates for enterprises adopting different strategies depending on their stage of development versus a one-size-fits-all approach.
This report by SVA and CYDA explores the employment experiences of young people with disability in Greater Melbourne. It highlights barriers, workplace challenges, and opportunities for creating inclusive and meaningful employment pathways.
This UNDP report examines how Web3 technologies like blockchain and decentralised finance can drive social innovation and support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It provides an accessible overview of Web3, highlights its potential for systemic change in areas like finance and governance, and addresses key adoption challenges, including digital exclusion and environmental concerns.
Wellbeing Matters Guide
GuidesThe "Wellbeing Matters Guide" offers insights from social enterprise leaders, particularly in regional, rural, and remote areas. It provides resources to support leaders in enhancing their wellbeing and effectiveness by sharing real-life experiences.
A social enterprise is a business that puts people and the planet first. They trade like any other business but exist specifically to make the world a better place.
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This blog introduces the concept of ethical leadership, where decisions prioritise integrity, societal impact, and the common good. It outlines six key principles—respect, accountability, service, honesty, justice, and community—that foster trust, equity, and collaboration in leadership practices.
Psychological safety is crucial for innovation, teamwork, and organisational success. This article highlights its role in fostering inclusive and high-performing cultures. It outlines leadership strategies to build trust, such as open dialogue, curiosity, and equitable participation. Learn how consultative, supportive, and challenging leadership styles enhance team resilience, creativity, and productivity, particularly in remote and hybrid work environments.
This report by Social Ventures Australia (SVA) and AEN, with analysis by PwC Consulting, examines barriers to youth employment in Australia. It explores employer challenges, systemic issues, and solutions to improve career pathways for young people, particularly those outside university pathways.
Steven Johnson is an innovation thinker and writer. In this video, he outlines the main ideas from his book: 'Where do good ideas come from?' He shares recurring patterns he has noticed that are present in historical times of great creativity and innovation.
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This article explores inclusive leadership, which fosters belonging, psychological safety, and respect within diverse teams. It highlights six traits—commitment, humility, bias awareness, curiosity, cultural intelligence, and collaboration—demonstrating how inclusive leaders drive team performance, decision-making, and collaboration through consistent behaviours.
This is a pivotal article by entrepreneur and educator Steve Blank, published in the Harvard Business Review in 2013. The article introduces the lean startup methodology, which emphasises rapid experimentation, customer feedback, and iterative product development.
This short blog focuses on developing a pitch deck for ventures seeking funding. It shares practical tips, a template to structure your pitch as well as common questions. Since it’s from a conventional business perspective you’ll need to consider where your impact proposition should be included.
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