Impact Seed

Impact Seed has evaluated many projects over the years, but few are made public, especially when they highlight that intended outcomes aren't being delivered at the rate expected. Evaluating the Pilbara Environmental Offsets Fund (PEOF) was challenging; designing and implementing a strategic offsets fund to address the cumulative impacts of development on the Pilbara bioregion is complex and relies on many stakeholders. Our independent evaluation provided clarity on how to deliver the fund more efficiently and effectively given that extensive stakeholder engagement has clearly shown that the PEOF is supported by many, and all involved want to see it succeed. The team at DWER (WA Dept. of Water & Environmental Regulation) have already started to implement the recommendations. It's rewarding work engaging in evaluation projects which embrace significant change towards delivering better outcomes. More at the links below. ABC News article at: https://lnkd.in/eNs7bEVc DWER commissioned evaluation at: https://lnkd.in/eBSJMF57 Some of the report extracts include: ◾ All stakeholders engaged agreed that a strategic, collaborative approach is needed to offset the cumulative environmental impacts of development in the Pilbara, and were supportive of the PEOF, however indicated that the way that PEOF has been designed and is being delivered had not enabled this. ◾ The evaluation identified several complex factors that are preventing PEOF projects from being approved, delivered, and achieving the intended outcomes. ◾ The WA and Commonwealth legislative and policy frameworks surrounding offsets are complex, not always aligned, and are being interpreted too rigidly. For example, security of tenure to undertake offset activities is a key challenge in the Pilbara where such tenure is scarce and there is significant competition for land. ◾Other challenges include under-resourced Traditional Owner groups lacking capacity to engage with the PEOF consultation process and deliver offset programs, and the limited presence and on ground capacity of Natural Resource Management groups in the Pilbara. ◾The costs of delivering offsets in the Pilbara are significant, and many stakeholders believe that what proponents are required to pay into PEOF is insufficient to deliver effective offset projects. ◾A whole of government approach is needed to enable PEOF to deliver on its outcomes (particularly to secure tenure). ◾Given the complexity, there is no easy solution. A series of strategic recommendations as well as recommendations relating to design and implementation were proposed.

Over many years of supporting impact-driven startups in Western Australia, the thing we are asked about more than anything else is how to incorporate for social impact. Some entrepreneurs choose to incorporate as for-profit to demonstrate the profit+purpose mission can thrive in the traditional startup world, others go straight for a not-for-profit structure to optimise for the many grants available. Yet others go the path less traveled of a hybrid of both, a cooperative, or in the case of Aboriginal community enterprises, incorporation under ORIC. There's no one 'best model', but one thing we can say for sure after supporting many founders who may have chosen a model upfront that didn't turn out to be fit for purpose, is that the old adage of 'form follows function' holds true when choosing how to start up. So NEXT WEEK as part of our Impact 2 Innovate program, we're running an IN-PERSON workshop in Perth with with two experts in this field, Keith Rovers and Chelsea Stanway. Whether you have already incorporated, or thinking on it still, don't miss this one! There are only 20 places in total, and 24 hours after going live on ticket sales, we're down to 11 left. Book now at: https://lnkd.in/eANKkZk4 Along with our co-hosts WASEC (WA Social Enterprise Council) we look forward to welcoming you.

Last week around the social enterprise showcase at the Impact Economy Forum, we also took some of our east coast guests to visit some of the social enterprises we work with through the Impact2Innovate program We visited FISH - Foundation for Indigenous Sustainable Health, Loop Upcycling and Dismantle Inc. who are all kicking huge impact goals working with leading corporates and government clients who are already switched on to social procurement, while creating meaningful connection and job pathways for those who have been financially and socially excluded across our communities. The showcase also highlighted where innovation and impact meet through the examples of Dilji Labs @Impact Dreaming, Mettle Women Inc. and Redrawn who are also part of our Impact2Innovate program. Thanks to Bronwyn Bate Franco Randazzo Mark Anderson Pat Ryan Kado Muir Heidi Mippy Martha Hackshaw and your amazing teams for your generosity and passion, and being exemplars for driving social, cultural and environmental impact through sustainable business models. And thanks to Lauren Hill Westpac Foundation Keith Rovers MinterEllison Emilie Ottervanger Paul Ramsay Foundation Tom Dawkins LendForGood for joining us on the road to visit these great social enterprises.

It’s a wrap. Yesterday saw the largest convergence of leaders across sectors we’ve ever hosted in WA at the inaugural Impact Economy Forum. 200 attendees discussing all things impact investment, wellbeing economics and equitable innovation with a First Nations leadership vein running deep through a day of panels, provocations, keynotes, and a social enterprise showcase.  A few takeaways that landed with our audience include: 🔶 Rethink value - First Nations economic models are built on culture, not the other way around – responsibility, respect and reciprocity as first principles. To translate this to a western sensibility, focus must shift from activity, output and doing to being, people and place. 🔶Equitable, inclusive innovation – innovation for what purpose? If it’s for communities and the economy, then it has to reach all those left behind, and those in remote and regional WA communities. Impact-driven innovation accelerates economic diversification & sustainable job growth when it is embedded in communities. 🔶Innovation = Risk & Learning – The investment and public policy landscape is geared to risk minimisation - yet innovation is taking risks, accepting failure and learning. 🔶All organisations have an impact – positive and negative, (often both) –  The burden of data and measurement shouldn’t sit solely on those creating positive impact (often with the least resourcing and capacity) but it currently does. We can’t shy away from the negative impact and externalities we are creating – it happens, let's normalise and account for these as well. We have to generate a culture of transparency and learning, and share the responsibility in accounting for impact. 🔶Just Transition - Community-level engagement and leadership is key to achieving a Just Transition towards clean energy – compromises will be made but people need to benefit from the transition, and have agency in what’s decided. 🔶Capital is a source of power - for real change we need to shift who gets to invest and how we invest, adopting localised, place-based and culturally sound approaches – particularly by and for First Nations Thank you to all our speakers, our awesome IS team and partner WASEC (WA Social Enterprise Council), and our 200(!) guests for participating in this conversation about designing and actioning the future of the WA economy – one where community, culture and environment are at the core of business and finance. An impact economy. We look forward to sharing more stories from the inaugural Impact Economy Forum soon, and to the many conversations and partnerships that will emerge from us spending the day together in Kings Park on a beautiful Djilba day. Thanks to our major funding partners who made this Forum possible - Paul Ramsay Foundation, Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, Westpac Foundation and our enabling partners and supporters (in the comments)

We thought yesterday's final speaker announcement was the actual final one.. BUT excited to announce Kate Chaney MP will also be joining the inaugural Impact Economy Forum! Although tickets are sold out for 18th Sept at State Reception Centre at Fraser's, Kings Park, we look forward to welcoming our 150+ guests, and for those who missed out, please join our wait/cancellation list at https://lnkd.in/edzfSnAc as we confirm all attendees this coming Monday. Kate Chaney is WA’s first female Independent Federal MP in the House of Representatives, representing the community of Curtin, which stretches from the edge of Perth west to the Indian Ocean. In January 2022 Kate was approached by a grassroots community group - Curtin Independent - to run as an independent candidate in Curtin. Frustrated with the divisive culture of politics - particularly the lack of sound, long-term decisions being made for Australia’s future, she ran in a community-driven campaign, on a platform of real climate action, integrity and transparency in politics, future-focused economic management and a commitment to building more connected, compassionate communities. -------------------------- ABOUT THE IMPACT ECONOMY FORUM: Innovation meets impact at the inaugural Impact Economy Forum 2024, a one-day event spotlighting WA's impact economy at the iconic Fraser's State Reception Centre, Kings Park, Perth. Connect with over 150 local and national leaders and changemakers, including investors, corporates, community sector, government, early stage to established First Nations and non-Indigenous impact enterprises, and industry experts. Together we'll explore what it takes grow an impact economy that tackles some of our most pressing social and environmental challenges. With 25 speakers and through a dynamic mix of panels, workshops, and an impact enterprise showcase, we’ll tackle the big questions, like: 🔹 How can we invest strategically in innovation towards truly sustainable, inclusive economy? 🔹What are the levers for systems-change to unlock these outcomes and what innovators and enterprises can we learn from?  🔹How do we move beyond ESG to impact-led value creation?  🔹What's the true systems level value of generating positive social and environmental impact https://lnkd.in/edzfSnAc This inaugural Impact Economy Forum is proudly hosted by Impact Seed. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live, learn and work. We offer our respect to Elders past and present; and to all First Nations people whose sovereignty was never ceded. https://lnkd.in/edzfSnAc Thanks to our partners and supporters including : Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation Paul Ramsay Foundation MinterEllison WASEC (WA Social Enterprise Council) Commonland Philanthropy Australia Westpac Foundation Workpower LendForGood Impact Club

FINAL SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT for the Inaugural Impact Economy Forum - Where Innovation Meets Impact Weds 18-Sep, 9am-4pm. Although tickets are sold out, we are about to release 20 more seats with a move to the larger State Reception Centre at Fraser's, Kings Park. Join the waitlist now as the last remaining tickets are being released this coming Monday 9th September for this sellout event. https://lnkd.in/edzfSnAc We have a stellar cross-sector impact investment and enterprise speaker lineup including: 🔷 Hon. Stephen Dawson, Minister for Innovation & the Digital Economy 🔷Hon. Patrick Gorman, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister 🔷Kado Muir, Founder Dilji Labs, Chair National Native Title Council (Keynote, and Session Speaker) 🔷Heidi Mippy, CEO Impact Dreaming, Indigenous Liaison Manager, Curtin University (Welcome, and Session Speaker) 🔷Keith Rovers, Partner, Head of Social Impact, Sustainability, MinterEllison 🔷Emilie Ottervanger, Impact Investing Manager, Paul Ramsay Foundation 🔷Chandra Sundareswaran, Director, Learning Enterprise & Partnerships, Curtin University 🔷Tom Dawkins, Co-Founder & CIO, LendForGood 🔷Natalie Egleton, CEO Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal 🔷Elise Parups, CEO Impact Club 🔷Dr Cindy Reese Mitchell, PhD, Program Director, Good Return 🔷Cronje Wolvaardt, Director Impact Investing, Minderoo 🔷Taliah Payne, COO, Nyamba Buru Yawuru 🔷Angela Vurens van Es, Director Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships, Lotterywest 🔷Mark Taylor, Sustainability Manager, Hesperia 🔷Frank Mofflin, Social Performance Manager, South32 🔷Kane Blackman, CEO Good Sammy Enterprises 🔷Lee Broomhall, CEO Workpower 🔷Olivia Chapman, CEO WA Social Enterprise Council 🔷Franco Randazzo, CEO & Managing Director Loop Enterprises (Loop Upcycling) 🔷Bronwyn Bate, CEO & Founder, Mettle Gifts (Mettle Women) 🔷Pat Ryan, CEO, Dismantle 🔷Martha Hackshaw, State Manager, Redrawn This inaugural Impact Economy Forum is proudly hosted by Impact Seed. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live, learn and work. We offer our respect to Elders past and present; and to all First Nations people whose sovereignty was never ceded. https://lnkd.in/edzfSnAc Thanks to our partners and supporters including Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation Paul Ramsay Foundation MinterEllison WASEC (WA Social Enterprise Council) Commonland Philanthropy Australia Westpac Foundation Workpower LendForGood Impact Club

We're excited to announce the Keynote Speaker for the inuagural Impact Economy Forum | Where Innovation Meets Impact | Perth (SOLD OUT, WAITLIST OPEN) - Kado Muir. Kado is a First Nations Australian impact entrepreneur, artist, anthropologist and indigenous rights activist, a fierce advocate for preservation and maintenance of First Nations languages, protection of cultural heritage and the pursuit of environmental and land justice in Australia. A cultural leader and senior knowledge holder from the Ngalia dialect family of the Mantjiltjara language group, with traditional territorial ties in the Western Deserts of Western Australia, Kado is Chair of the National Native Title Council, Co-Chair of the First National Heritage Protection Alliance and a steering group member of the First Nations Clean Energy Network. He is also Chair of the Wakamurru Aboriginal Corporation Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate (RNTBC), the Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) for Manta Rirrtinya Native Title Determination and a director of Tjiwarl Aboriginal Corporation Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate (RNTBC) for the Tjiwarl Determination. Sought after by Australian and international media, he regularly speaks on responsible investment, meaningful Environmental Social Governance and Sustainable Development Goal actions, and adoption of technology, including fintech and other methodologies, for recognising natural, social and cultural capital. The 2024 Impact Economy Forum is proudly hosted by Impact Seed and features over 20 speakers, 120+ attendees including changemakers, investors, corporates, community sector, government, early stage to established First Nations and non-Indigenous impact enterprises, and industry experts. Together we'll explore what it takes grow an impact economy that tackles some of our most pressing social and environmental challenges. THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT HOWEVER THE WAITLIST IS OPEN AS WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF EXPANDING OUR VENUE CAPACITY. JOIN AT https://lnkd.in/edzfSnAc Thanks to our partners and supporters including Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, Paul Ramsay Foundation, MinterEllison, WASEC (WA Social Enterprise Council) Philanthropy Australia Westpac Foundation Workpower LendForGood Impact Club

Are you a social enterprise creating jobs and making a difference to those facing disadvantage in rural, regional, and remote areas? We've partnered with Westpac Foundation to gift 4 regional enterprises travel bursaries to attend our inaugural Impact Economy Forum. With an amazing line-up of local and national speakers including Innovation Minister the Hon. Stephen Dawson , Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister the Hon Patrick Gorman, First Nations entrepreneur Kado Muir and social enterprise legends like Tom Dawkins, Keith Rovers and Elise Parups, this is your chance to share your story and join local and national leaders to shape the future of impact-led innovation in WA. 🌟 To apply, send a summary (up to 250 words) or video (up to 90 seconds) to team@impactseed.org explaining your impact, and why you deserve the bursary.  🌟Valued at up to $1500, the bursary covers attendance, flights and two nights of accommodation.  Don’t miss out—apply now and amplify your voice! Submissions close 12pm AWST 20 August 2024. Impact Economy Forum | 18th September 2024 | Perth

We're proud to host the inaugural Impact Economy Forum: Where Innovation Meets Impact, at Fraser's, Kings Park on 18 September. RSVP for general release early bird tickets..this event will sell out https://lnkd.in/edzfSnAc Connect with 200 local and national leaders and changemakers, including investors, corporates, community sector, government, early stage to established First Nations and non-Indigenous impact enterprises, and industry experts. Together we'll explore what it takes grow an impact economy that tackles some of our most pressing social and environmental challenges. With over 20 speakers and special guests and through a dynamic mix of panels, workshops, and an impact enterprise showcase, we’ll tackle the big questions, like: 🔶How can we invest strategically in innovation towards a truly sustainable, inclusive economy? 🔶What are the levers for systems-change to unlock these outcomes and what innovators and enterprises can we learn from? 🔶How do we move beyond ESG to impact-led value creation?  🔶What's the true systems level value of generating positive social and environmental impact, and how do we measure it? Speakers and guests include: - The Hon. Stephen Dawson MLC, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Innovation and the Digital Economy, Minister for Medical Research, Science , Minister assisting the Minister for State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade - The Hon. Patrick Gorman MP, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Assistant Minister for the Public Service, and Assistant Minister to the Attorney-General - Keith Rovers, Partner, Social Impact & Sustainable Finance MinterEllison | Chair, White Box Enterprises - Emilie Ottervanger, Impact Investing Manager, Paul Ramsay Foundation - Kylie Hansen, Founding Director, Impact Seed - Chandra Sundareswaran, Director, Centre for Learning Enterprise and Partnerships, Curtin University - Tom Dawkins, Co Founder, StartSomeGood & LendForGood - Elise Parups, CEO, Impact Club | Former CEO, Queensland Social Enterprise Council BOOK HERE FOR GENERAL RELEASE EARLY BIRD TICKETS AND STAY TUNED FOR MORE SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENTS..THIS EVENT WILL SELL OUT: https://lnkd.in/edzfSnAc (The inaugural WA Impact Economy Forum is proudly hosted by Impact Seed, with the support of the State Government New Industries Fund. Thanks to our partners WASEC (WA Social Enterprise Council), Paul Ramsay Foundation, and MinterEllison)

Grant opportunity: Aboriginal business round The Aboriginal Business Round provides funding support to Aboriginal Western Australian small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to enhance their business capability and capacity to supply to major Western Australian State or Local Government agencies, the Australian Government and the private sector. The level of funding support under the Aboriginal Business Round is 50% of eligible costs (excluding GST) up to a maximum funding level of $50,000 per successful applicant. https://lnkd.in/gXx-BCdH