SSI and Social Enterprises Sydney join forces to boost social enterprise services

SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis and SES Chairperson Cathy Quinn said they were confident that the combining of resources would improve reach and employment outcomes for potential social entrepreneurs throughout Sydney.

SSI agreed to acquire the assets and intellectual property of the western Sydney-based social enterprise following the conclusion of a three year funding period.

Ms Roumeliotis said that by joining up with SES it would also add significant capacity to the organisation’s existing small business initiative – Ignite Small Business Start-ups. Ignite facilitates business creation for refugee clients keen to establish or consolidate a small business.

Ms Roumeliotis said: “The agreement recognises the fact that both organisations are united by a common business culture.”

Ms Quinn said: “SSI and SES both have a proven track record of using business models to solve economic and social challenges. The acquisition is an ideal next phase for Ignite and SES.”

SES was established in July 2011 as an important step for social enterprise development and capacity building in the greater Sydney region, with particular focus on western Sydney. 
It was established as a practitioner-led, membership-based social enterprise that aims to support and promote the success of social enterprises with a focus on connecting and developing practitioners. It is based on the successful Social Enterprise London model and was established in response to identified need in the region.

The social enterprise will begin operating from SSI’s Parramatta office from July 1, after the approach to SSI was initiated and the terms approved by core members of SES and the Board of Directors.