Social Enterprise Tours
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a social enterprise?
In this program, we invite you to take a closer look through exclusive tours. You’ll get the chance to explore:
What exactly do these social enterprises do, and how do they make it happen?
What business model they use to support their work?
How they measure the impact they’re creating in their communities?
What valuable lessons have they learned along the way?
What challenges are they currently facing that you might not expect?
Join us and gain a deeper understanding of the incredible work these enterprises are doing and the obstacles they’re overcoming.
How are the tours structured?
Each tour will be 2 hours in duration, featuring a comprehensive overview of the enterprise, a chance to engage with key stakeholders and beneficiaries, and an opportunity for Q&A.
Who is this tour for?
This tour is ideal for:
Current or aspiring social entrepreneurs who wants to see what it really takes to run a social enterprise.
Decision makers in your organisation curious about social enterprise and how your organisation may support it; and
Current or potential social enterprise funders eager to find out what's behind the proposal and pitches.
The Tours
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Studio A - 27 March
Studio A Make Great Art, so throughout the tour, you'll be immersed in the creative process and colourful, curious delights of the Studio's talented artists.
The tour will start with a talk from Studio A CEO and Artistic Director, Gabrielle Mordy and Chair, John McCabe. Gabrielle and John will share Studio A's story, their impact and some of the rewards and challenges of operating a social enterprise.
Next you will hear from the artists, who will share their experience at Studio A, what inspires them and what's keeping them busy in 2025!
After plenty of time for questions with the Studio A team, the tables will turn, and the art materials handed to you! Engage in a mindful colour and pattern play exercise led by a Studio A artist.
By participating in this unforgettable experience, you are contributing to Studio A's goal to "shape a society that wholeheartedly embraces and appreciates the unique artistic offerings of artists with disability".
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Revolve Recycling - 24 June
The tour will start with a talk from Guido Verbist, CEO of Revolve ReCYCLING. Guido will share Revolve Recycling's story, their impact and some of the rewards and challenges of operating a social enterprise. He will share the ways that Revolve ReCYCLING are championing a circular economy through their operations and through pioneering programs, such as the Green Wheels accreditation program and a range of strategic partnerships.
Next, you'll be guided through Revolve ReCYCLING's end to end operations to see how bikes are collected and triaged to determine which bikes can be refurbished and redeployed and which bikes need to be recycled. To date, the team have processed more than 11,000 bikes! Revolve ReCYCLING's expert bike mechanics will provide a demonstration of some of the maintenance techniques and fixes they apply to bikes, what inspires them and what's keeping them busy in 2025!
Guido and his team will take the attendees through the thought process and practical steps they took to turn an idea in 3 years’ time into a financially and environmentally sustainable and award-winning social enterprise. The tour will finish at the shopfront where you can peruse Sydney's largest store for affordable & professionally refurbished bikes
By participating in this unforgettable experience, you are contributing to Revolve Recycling's goal to encourage greater ridership and stopping unnecessary ride-related waste going to landfill.
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FoodLab Sydney - 28 August
Throughout the tour, you'll witness a bustling co-working commercial kitchen which is home to over 35 food entrepreneurs from refugee, migrant, female and First Nations backgrounds. Let their entrepreneurial spirit and passion fill the air (and smell of their delicious food).
The tour will include a talk from FoodLab Managing Director, Jamie Loveday, who will share FoodLab's evolution from its pilot training program in 2019 to the thriving operation it is today. Jamie will share FoodLab's impact and the rewards and challenges of operating a social enterprise.
Hear from one of FoodLab’s recent graduates as they share the impact of FoodLab’s support in their lives, families and communities, whilst teaching you how to prepare one of their favourite foods in a hands-on cooking experience.
After plenty of time for questions with the FoodLab team, you'll be guided around the FoodLab Community Garden - a space for refugees, migrants and other community members from diverse backgrounds to come together to grow fresh produce, learn gardening skills and build connections.By participating in this unforgettable experience and supporting FoodLab, you are supporting gender, ethnic, and racial diversity within our local food system.
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The Reconnect Project - 29 October
Description Throughout the tour, you'll witness a bustling repair shop where The Reconnect Project's expert technicians breathe new life into everything from smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles to coffee machines!
The tour will start with a talk from The Reconnect Project Founder and CEO, Annette Brodie, who will share The Reconnect Project's story, the breadth of their services and programs including Australia’s first Mobile Device Repair Technician Training Course and the business' social and environmental impact. Annette will also share rewards and challenges of operating a social enterprise.
Next you will hear from one of The Reconnect Project's expert technicians who will share their experience in the shop, what inspires them and what's keeping them busy in 2025!
After plenty of time for questions with The Reconnect Project team, you'll be guided around the shop to see the repair process in action.
By participating in this unforgettable experience, you are helping The Reconnect Project be a catalyst for good, delivering life-altering benefits for everyone through a cycle of positive impact.goes here