Business Sydney and the Minns Labour Government recently launched a report highlighting the significant economic contributions of social enterprises in NSW and the important opportunity for government and industry support – with benefits for both parties.
Released at Business Sydney’s Social Enterprise: Unlocking Life Changing Economic Power event, the report highlighted that social enterprises contributed almost $9 billion to the state economy in the year to June 2025.
The report also points out that beyond economic contributions, social enterprises create jobs and training opportunities for disadvantaged groups while also delivering environmental, social and cultural benefits.
For Jigsaw, this approach is already in action – delivering cost efficient business solutions for clients while creating jobs for people who might otherwise miss out. The report recognised Jigsaw’s contribution to the sector, featuring Jigsaw as one of nine case studies included in the report.
The release of the report comes alongside a range of procurement reforms proposed by the Minns government, aimed at boosting local economic growth and increasing employment across NSW, while opening up new opportunities for social enterprises.
As part of the proposed reforms, a Local Jobs First Commission would be created to support local industries, alongside an “If not, why not” policy that would prompt agencies to prioritise NSW suppliers before tendering projects valued over $7.5 million.
Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement, Courtney Houssos, said the Minns Labor Government sees an opportunity to drive positive outcomes through its procurement decisions.
“Social enterprises deliver genuine economic and social benefits for communities across NSW.
“By joining with Business Sydney to launch this report, we are highlighting the important role social enterprises play in creating jobs, strengthening communities and driving inclusive economic growth.
“Many of these organisations are deeply connected to their local communities, reinvesting profits back into services, training and employment opportunities for people who need them most.
“The Minns Labor Government is using the weight of government procurement to drive better outcomes for NSW, which means more local jobs, stronger supply chains and more inclusive growth,” said Ms Houssos.
The report recognises that social and economic growth can be considered in unison, and social enterprises are key to maximising both.
Along with case studies on social enterprises that showcase innovative ways to generate revenue and positive social/environmental outcomes simultaneously, it also outlined a five point plan to promote the sector’s ongoing growth and long-term viability.
The plan calls for stronger support across government and private procurement for social enterprises, the appointment of a dedicated Social Enterprise Advocate within government, and a broader strategy that recognises the economic and human value of the sector. It also recommends establishing a Parliamentary Friends of Social Enterprise group to support sector growth, alongside improved access to low-interest capital to help new and existing social enterprises establish and expand.
“Social enterprises give vulnerable groups in the community [the opportunity] to find work and career opportunities that might not otherwise exist, and we must do everything possible to help them prosper,” said Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaous.
The report provides long overdue recognition that social enterprises can and do enhance efficiencies in business and government, and signal a shift towards a more inclusive and effective economy.
You can read the full report here and the media release here.