Our network exists to support place-based enablers of social, kaupapa-driven and impact enterprise in the regions in Aotearoa New Zealand. The biggest enabler organisation in our network is the Ākina Foundation. But just as there are diverse communities across the motu, there are enablers all over Aotearoa that do great work to support social enterprises in their communities. Whether it’s starting up, or pivoting towards purpose-led and impact driven, these enterprises often get funny looks when they wonder about how to measure their impact, or wish to develop a Theory of Change, or how to state their commitment towards social or environmental causes. Nowadays there is the added complexity of green and socialwashing.
The existing government support for enterprises comes through MBIE and the Regional Business Partners Network. And the lens there is a profit, growth and export focus.
As the Impact Initiative makes very clear recommendations, the government has a role to play in supporting the ecosystem. Add the findings from the Long-term Insights Briefing on the future of business in Aotearoa on the growing trend of purpose-led businesses. To keep supporting passionate social entrepreneurs, we recommend enabler hubs register as a service provider with RBPN. The 50% funding for capability building is reducing cost barriers to social enterprises.
We heard from enabler hubs that the first assistance is often a pro-bono case to prepare budgets to secure future funding, and while including estimated enabler services in the budget, the hubs face the risk of no funding coming through, hence no payment for the initial services provided. Which business consultant in profit and growth-driven sectors would do that??!? It’s not sustainable but often the only way to help.
Some funders and possibly the government are not aware of how little is actually needed to get a small social enterprise off the ground, eg enabler fees as little as $3-5k can make a massive difference to a starting social entrepreneur. We are not talking glamorous front-page tech startups, but local and community-minded enterprises that provide a living and solve a problem. Think low-emission local couriers, small electric vehicle taxi operations, market gardens, delivery collaborations, deconstruction and recycling in the building industry, artisan local food manufacture, swap and mending services, the list is endless.
And in the same vein, each hub would be able to consistently support regional purpose-driven enterprises with as little as $12-20k per year for a part-time coordinator. Without support enabler hubs are falling over and regions are missing out on local support.
Our network will continue to bring the recommendations of the Impact Initiative to the government’s attention, while talking with impact investors and philanthropic funders to really contribute to a thriving Aotearoa New Zealand.
Strap in for 2023. Happy New Year!