Social Enterprise Social Performance Pioneer

Social enterprises are the pioneers of social performance: the businesses that have always put people at the centre. This award recognises the certified social enterprises making a real difference in one or more of the social performance pillars: your people, your suppliers, your customers, your communities.

WV Technologies, winner of the 2025 Social Enterprise Pioneer award

Key information

Eligible entrants

Certified social enterprises

Submissions close

Friday 19 June, 5:00pm AEST

Winners announced

Tuesday 20 October at Convene, Brisbane

Common questions

What does 'impact' actually mean for this award?

Impact includes a social, environmental or community benefit involving an individual or group of beneficiaries. The impact outlined in your submission can be quantitative or qualitative; both are excellent.  

Do I need to provide a photo with my submission?

We encourage you to include an image, though it's not required. An unedited jpg or png works perfectly; for example, a smartphone team photo is absolutely fine.

I have more to include, can I go beyond the word limit? Or have an extension?

In short - no. We love the enthusiasm, but we need to respect the judges' limited time and maintain fairness between entrants. 

What's the judging criteria?

Applications will be assessed based on how your certified social enterprise excels in one or more of the social performance pillars. 

  • Your people: Demonstrate how your social enterprise provides excellent support to help vulnerable people into the workforce, leading to economic security and quality of life
  • Your suppliers: Demonstrate how your social enterprise buys social - who you buy from, and whether those suppliers also create social value
  • Your customers: What is the product or service you offer to the world, and how it contributes to wellbeing or solves social or environmental challenges 
  • Your communities: This includes the communities you operate in, and stakeholders impacted by your enterprise

You don't have to cover them all. This award is about depth, not breadth.

Submit a nomination