Benefits of Networks

Embedded in the dynamics and configurations of social entrepreneurship networks are goals which are “mission-market” related. Our network goals are about social outcomes, social change, shared values, good relationships, and mobilising resources — including earned income.

There are other “flow-on” benefits of active networking for participants in AISE. Networks can be the:

• The basis for mutualism and the fundamental means for exchange of social relationships and knowledge.
• Platform for solidarity within a group; no longer can social entrepreneurs work alone if they are to achieve effective social and material outcomes.
• Starting point for powering social change through a stronger platform of representation and advocacy.
• Basis for the generation of greater ‘entrepreneurial spirit’ for tackling problems of disadvantage and poverty.
• Process for giving social entrepreneurship an identity and ultimately greater credibility and status in the Australasian context.
• Support mechanism by which the whole network group can attain access to ‘external’ knowledge and information.
• Strategic process for integrating enterprise opportunities, people, and resources (including earned income) in social enterprises.
• Pooling of complementary skills to ensure the social impact of an enterprise.
• Way in which social leadership can be practised.
• Significant ingredient for the dissemination of innovative practice (which in turn shapes network activity).
• Condition for ‘scaling-up’ social enterprises.
• Foundation for creating ‘information flows” across various “silos” within disciplines of knowledge (economics, business, management, education, social sciences…).
• Bases for risk management though risk sharing and limiting the potential for failure in enterprise projects.
• Principle means for pooling the equity in social enterprises as a basis for capital raising, loans, attracting social investment etc.

Our aim is to enable network opportunities for and interaction among social entrepreneurs and social enterprises in a contemporary Australasian political, commercial, social, and policy context where small-to-medium and micro enterprises tend to be increasingly side-lined.

You can become a mutual member or a sponsor (investor-builder member) in our networks.

Learn more about these two kinds of membership and social entrepreneurship

» Mutual and sponsor members and social entrepreneurship.pdf

Want to join us? Register here to read more about becoming a member and participating in our networks.