Partners

Social Ventures Australia (SVA)
Social Ventures Australia (SVA), an independent non-profit organisation established in 2002, is a new and unique model of social investment that aligns the interests of philanthropists with the needs of social entrepreneurs to combat some of Australia’s most pressing community challenges.

Social Firms UK (SFUK)
A key supporter, mentor and resource to SoFA, Social Firms UK is currently implementing an Accelerator Program which looks at the most effective social firms across the UK, examines why they are successful, and explores options for replication, developing franchises or procurement options. Social Firms UK is providing advice, tools and mentoring to SoFA to assist with the development of the sector in Australia.

Social Firms

Cleanable is a successful cleaning business operating as a social firm that was established in 2005 by Westgate Community Initiatives Group (WCIG) in partnership with SoFA and SVA. Cleanable is a highly professional and sustainable business that offers competitive rates and in contracting Cleanable, business owners in Melbourne can easily increase their corporate social responsibility. Cleanable works at 17 sites across Melbourne and has over 15 employees with a mental illness.

Bonsai - The Imagination Tree, situated in the Dandenong ranges, is a wholesale bonsai nursery creating innovative employment opportunities for people with psychiatric disabilities. As a social firm, Bonsai - The Imagination Tree offers employment for people with a mental illness and trains other staff on mental illness awareness. Bonsai - The Imagination Tree is a joint venture between SoFA, SVA and Eastern Access Community Health (EACH) focusing on maintining a successful commercial wholesale bonsai business as well as providing a supportive work environment.