Why We Exist
Australia’s first loan fund for social enterprises supporting employment pathways.
The job effect
Work is more than a paycheck – it provides a sense of purpose and dignity, as well as connection, confidence and routine.
Many people are locked out of work because of entrenched disadvantage and complex barriers. These include long-term unemployed individuals, people with disability, refugees, ex-offenders, and those experiencing mental health challenges.
The problem isn’t a lack of potential or willingness to work – it’s that most workplaces aren’t designed to provide the support, flexibility, and understanding these individuals need to succeed.
That’s where jobs-focused social enterprises come in.
These businesses are built to do things differently. They exist primarily to create jobs for people who are overlooked, while also contributing to the economy.
They offer unique supports that come with higher costs, but the impact is worth it. When people are employed in a social enterprise they stay in work longer, communities are stronger, and government saves money in the long run.
It’s why we’re on a mission to mainstream these businesses, and their best practices.
It’s not a level playing field
Only 11.7% of Workforce Australia participants are employed after 6 months.
Less than 50% of working-age people with a disability are employed. (This number hasn’t changed for almost 30 years)
Only 26% of people whose primary disability is mental health-related are employed.
Just 6% of refugees have a job six months after they arrive in Australia, and less than 25% of refugees have a job after two years.
60% of people who re-offend are unemployed at the time of that offence. (In Victoria, the reoffending rate drop to 12% if a person finds a job.)
9.5% On average the unemployment rate for young people (aged 15-24 years) is 2x the unemployment rate.
The national employment services system works for some, but not all.
- $2B invested annually in Workforce Australia
- 720K people supported
- 20% of people have been in the system for 5+ years
- 11.7% six month retention rate for people supported
Workforce Australia is the country’s largest employment program, administered by the federal government. It works for some, but not everyone. It sits alongside the Department of Social Services Inclusive Employment Australia program (formerly Disability Employment Services).
In May 2026, the Department of Social Services announced plans to overhaul Workforce Australia – naming social enterprise as part of the solution. White Box and others in the sector are working hard to ensure the reform process delivers the best outcomes for the people it’s designed to support.
“The longer you've been unemployed, the harder it is to get a job. Around one-third of employers are less likely to employ a person if they have been unemployed for 4-6 months. This proportion increases to half for those unemployed for 7-12 months, and to two-thirds for those unemployed for 1-2 years.”
– Working Future, Federal Govt, Sept 2023
Social enterprise is the solution
What are jobs-focused social enterprises?
Jobs-focused social enterprises are businesses that exist to create jobs for people who face barriers to work.
They’re real businesses that deliver social and economic returns. Their main goal isn’t profit – it’s to create meaningful, supportive jobs that help people move forward in life.
Why are they effective?
Social enterprises are purpose-built to support people back into employment.
They offer unique supports including:
On-the-job training and skill development
Judgement-free recruitment processes
Personalised development plans
Help with things like housing, mental health, and life admin.
This kind of wrap-around support helps people build confidence, skills, and stability.
Why it costs more, and why it’s worth it
Running a business like this isn’t cheap. Providing an increased level of support takes time, resources, and care. We call these impact costs and they’re central to how these businesses work.
But the impact is worth it. When people get a job with a social enterprise – they stay longer, earn more and their wellbeing improves significantly.
The proof
is in the data
For some, numbers speak louder than words.
We evaluate our work, so funders, policymakers and those who are only just discovering jobs-focused social enterprise can see its impact.
