Impact Policy Tracker Policy

Social Enterprise Development Initiative (SEDI)



The Social Enterprise Development Initiative (SEDI), launched in the Australian Government’s 2023–24 Budget as part of the “Targeting Entrenched Disadvantage” package, allocated AUD 11.6 million (USD 7.2 million) to strengthen the social enterprise sector. The programme provides grants of up to USD 75k to social enterprises supporting the vulnerable (with a focus on First Nations communities and those in regional and remote areas), to build organisational capacity through services such as business planning, financial management, legal support, contract negotiation and impact measurement and evaluation. The SEDI also includes a sector-wide education and mentoring component coordinated by Social Enterprise Australia (SEA), which includes Understorey, a digital platform that serves as a central hub for learning, knowledge exchange, and peer support within the sector.

Highlights

  • Involvement of Impact Investing Australia (IIA), Australia’s NP: after a competitive open call, IIA was selected to be the Capability Building Grants Administrator with the responsibility of the promotion, selection and distribution of the grants.

  • Innovative, open-source learning platform: funding from the Initiative enabled the creation of Understorey, an online platform dedicated to enhancing participation and capacity within Australia's social enterprise sector. Serving as a digital commons, it offers a collaborative space for individuals and organisations to learn, exchange ideas, and navigate the social enterprise landscape. The platform provides a variety of resources, including educational tools for starting and managing social enterprises, a sector guide detailing key roles and terms, and learning communities for peer support and knowledge sharing.

Government’s Role:
Market Facilitator


Country:
Australia

Policy Type:
Capacity Building Programmes

Year: 2023

Responsible Institution:
Department of Social Services

Additional information:
Social Enterprise Development Initiative (SEDI)

Capacity Building Programmes

What are capacity building programmes for impact-driven enterprises?

Capacity-building programmes aim to strengthen the skills, systems, and strategies of impact-driven enterprises so they can grow sustainably, deliver measurable social or environmental outcomes, and attract investment. These programmes typically provide targeted support such as business planning, financial management, impact measurement and management (IMM), legal and governance structuring, and market access. Support may come in the form of technical assistance, training, mentorship, grants, or facilitated access to networks of investors and advisors. Capacity-building programmes often involve partnerships between governments, private sector actors, and intermediary organisations (such as incubators or accelerators). These programmes aim to bridge the gap between promising impact-focused initiatives and the investment ecosystem, enabling them to scale their operations and increase their positive impact.