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Decent Work for Women Exiting the Justice System: Employment Collaboration Project

Over the past few months we’ve been working closely with community organisations who support ... read more

Lessons from PNG’s entrepreneurs: Enchancing our approach to business support

Part 3 of our series on economic development in PNG: Here’s what we’ve learned from working within PNGs unique entrepreneurial landscape that informs the work ahead, and our practice as a whole. read more

7 Key Insights from 7 Years of Economic Development in PNG

In part 2 of our series on our economic development work in PNG, we reflect on the lessons we’ve learned over the last seven years, and how they might inform the future of economic development work with our much beloved neighbour. read more

Advancing an inclusive economy in PNG: Understanding the context and our approach to economic development

Part 1 in a series where we reflect on our work in PNG over the last 7-8 years, as well as the lessons we’ve learned, and where we believe further work should be focused over the next decade as we dream about an inclusive economy for our closest neighbour. read more

Creating Decent Work for Women Exiting the Justice System

Approximately 4,500 women exit the criminal justice system across Australia each year. How can create decent work for these women and drastically reduce recidivism? We're exploring five pathways forward for women's economic equality. read more

Is social entrepreneurship a good bedfellow for systems innovation?

How can social entrepreneurship serve systems innovation to address global challenges, and how can entrepreneurship catalyse transformative change within complex systems? read more

Ten years, a new chapter: Pioneering a new economy worthy of the human spirit

After ten years of learning and unlearning in economic development, our new strategy is a roadmap to an economy worthy of the human spirit. read more

Women’s economic equality: Breaking barriers, creating opportunities

To dismantle the barriers holding women back from economic participation, we must challenge ... read more

Inner Development key to achieve sustainable business growth: Our InsideOut Model

By Anna Moegerlein, Deputy CEO In the realm of economic development, a critical ... read more

Building Resilient Food Systems: Future Healthy Food Hubs

In 2022 we began a project in partnership with VicHealth and STREAT to provide business ... read more

Collaborative Strategy Development for Sustainable NFPs: 5 Minutes with Brigid Canny, YLab

Learn how YLab collaborated with TDi to develop its new strategic plan, gaining clarity and confidence in its business model. Brigid Canny, Executive Director of YLab, highlights TDi's flexible approach, coaching, and relationship-building in this 5-minute interview, providing insight into how TDi helps NFPs achieve their mission. read more

International Development: 3 Solutions for a New Approach to Capacity Building

TDi associate Kate Wilson examines the flaws in traditional international development strategies, and offers a new approach to capacity building with three powerful solutions. read more

International Women’s Day 2023: Driving Economic Empowerment for PNG Women through Digital Accessibility and Innovation

Learn how a comprehensive Inner Development coaching program with digital accessibility helped overcome unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in PNG and drive economic empowerment, especially during the pandemic. read more

Acknowledging Country: A new way to connect mindfully with an important practice

We recently engaged YARN Australia for a series of team workshops on storytelling, focussed on creating relationships and intentional connections between First Nations Australians and settlers. We invite you into our world as we share a practice from these workshops, and gratefully acknowledge the land we call home. read more

Kylie-Lee Bradford: Forging New Paths for First Nations Business

We recently welcomed Kylie to the TDi team. Kylie brings a wealth of experience in ... read more

Don’t Underestimate the Impact of Finance

by Isaac Jeffries, Senior Consultant I recently had coffee with a university ... read more

Why we’ve switched to Bank Australia

by Anthea Smits, CEO There's been excitement around TDi this month – we are ... read more

9 Mindsets of my Favourite Difference Makers

TDi Senior Consultant Isaac Jeffries shares the philosophies and habits that are the hallmarks of his favourite difference-makers. This is a concrete list of practices and mindsets for working in community, and maintaining connection to people without burning out or burning others. read more

Bilum: The Power of Story to Drive Inclusive Economic Growth

by Annie Smits, TDi CEO This is my love letter to PNG, to bilum, and to the weavers, ... read more

Why We Need More Coaches and Fewer ‘Experts’ in International Development

By Kate Wilson, TDi Associate An intuitive mindset coach and mentor, Kate's insight ... read more

Reconciliation Week 2022: Wrestling with our role in the Indigenous Business Sector

Anna Moegerlein, Deputy CEO, TDi In light of National Reconciliation Week, TDi’s Deputy CEO ... read more

Introducing: Accelerate with IBA 2022 Cohort

Our 'Accelerate with IBA' Showcase on April 7 was a great success. It's been an incredible ... read more

Meeting Uncertainty and Crisis with Curiosity

Anthea Smits, TDi CEO I’m going to be honest; I had a rough start to 2022. We ... read more

5 Minutes with Difference Maker Tammy: Ethical Innovation in First Nations Fashion

The challenges of ethical production in the fashion industry are many, but they lead to innovation and creative problem solving. We sat down with Difference Maker Tammy Saville and discussed the joys and challenges of starting her own children’s label, and how the IBA Accelerator is providing practical assistance in helping her meet her social impact goals. read more

Mindset in Entrepreneurship: How to overcome self-limiting beliefs and thrive in your role

Anna Moegerlein, Deputy CEO TDi I’ve been at TDi for almost six years, and in that ... read more

Meet Difference Maker, Ruth

Ruth has worked closely with us on several projects including the Laikim Sister program, as well as our ongoing work with bilum. read more

Holiday Recommendations – 21/22

Looking for some reading, listening or watching recommendations for the holiday ... read more

Meet our WOW participants

We introduce you to some of the participants of the Women of the World program, due to begin in early 2022. read more

PNG Local Business Coach focus: Mari Ellingson

Empowering women in business is something we’re very passionate about. So when we get to build ... read more

Women of the World

Women of the World – a cohort business program offering economic independence and health literacy programs for migrant and refugee women. read more

PNG Local Business Coach focus: Mary Handen

We are excited to be partnering and building local capacity in our women-led business coaching ... read more

Business and mindset coaching offers key to covid recovery for women-led businesses in PNG

TDi are working with PNG Women's Business Resource Centre to recruit and coach a total of 100 women-led SMEs (or deliver 800 hours of coaching) over four rounds of coaching from May through to December, with an average of 200 hours of coaching per round. Alongside, 4 Local Business Coaches are being trained in TDi's method to continue to support women-led SMEs in PNG. Here are the results for the first of the four rounds of coaching. read more

What 10 years and deep curiosity has taught us

Last year TDi celebrated 10 years, and over that time we’ve had the opportunity to travel with a number of organisations and often get a bird’s eye view of what’s going on. Recently, TDi's CEO Anthea Smits, had the opportunity to reflect on what the past 10 years and deep curiosity has taught us. This article is a reflection on our top 6 learnings. read more

Meaningful Conversations about Reconciliation

This month’s Meaningful Conversation coincided with the start of National Reconciliation Week so we took the opportunity to explore the notion of reconciliation, and particularly this year’s theme which invites brave action. read more

How to use the Business Model Canvas in 9 Easy Steps

When it comes to creating a new business, one question looms larger than all others: “Does this have potential?” The Business Model Canvas is a great starting point. This blog by TDi's Isaac Jeffries describes how to fill out it out. read more

Hope in a challenging environment

A reflection by TDis, Carlo Demaio, on the PNG Highlands township of Porgera. read more

Mitch Wallis puts his heart on his sleeve about working with TDi

We were so grateful to Mitch from Heart On My Sleeve for sharing this video story of his experiences working with TDi. read more

A creative business model that is inspiring Pacific Islanders to return to local cuisine to benefit their health, economy and climate

“The story of the food is the story of the people.” This is the belief that has inspired celebrity chef Robert Oliver to create the reality cooking show and community project ‘The Pacific Island Food Revolution’. read more

Reflections on a year of Crisis and Challenge

As the mood becomes festive, with the end of a long year in sight, we want to take a moment to pause. It’s tempting to want to switch off, but before we do, we want to share some honest reflections of this past 12 months so that we go forward with the learning and insights of this year’s journey. read more

Holiday Reading Recommendations

The TDi team spend a lot of time reading (or listening) to books and podcasts throughout the ... read more

Social Enterprise Marketplace

If you are looking for a gift or service with a purpose, we've created a marketplace so that you can #shopsocialenterprise. read more

Two Feet Accelerator: Where are they now? Refugee Talent

TDi has been committed to inclusive sustainable businesses since the early days of the social ... read more

It takes a village to grow an inclusive sustainable business

TDi has been committed to inclusive sustainable businesses since the early days of the social enterprise movement in Australia. read more

Two Feet Accelerator: Where are they now? YEVU

This week we’ve been chatting with Anna Robertson from YEVU – a social enterprise clothing brand designed and manufactured in Ghana. read more

YuMi Tourism Partners (Alotau) – Milne Bay Organics

“Coconut has been incredibly embedded in the Milne Bay tradition – from the food consumption through to the traditional dancing.” Last year, the YuMi pilot program took us to Alotau in Papua New Guinea, where we worked with difference maker, Rhona. read more

Indigenous tourism is key to economic recovery

Long-time friend, and associate of TDi, Ash Bartley has just started a new role with Visit Victoria. We caught up with her recently to celebrate her new role and ask about the opportunity for Indigenous tourism in Australia’s economic recovery. read more

YuMi Tourism Partners (Alotau) – VilLink Tours & Expeditions PNG

“With what I’m doing, I want to encourage the other young women out there, that they can also have the chance to make a difference. Not only in earning money, but sharing what they know, and getting other communities involved.” read more

Flexible and responsive coaching is key to sustaining women’s economic empowerment during a crisis

While each business owner faces their own set of challenges in response to the uncertainty and upheaval of COVID-19, we are observing a series of consistent coaching requirements emerge. read more

When life gives you lemons… pivot your business model

Nemika Brunton is based in Alotau, Papua New Guinea. We met her during the YuMi Tourism Partners Pilot program. The program addressed starting small, testing and learning, and how to adapt and respond to market needs. These lessons have certainly helped Nemika shift her business focus in response to COVID-19. Tourism is a key industry for the town and many of the local businesses were tourism based. So, the impact of COVID-19 hit the town hard. Many locals - including Nemika - have adapted quickly to totally new businesses and customers. read more

Supporting Social Enterprise during COVID-19

Following a tumultuous year of bushfires, COVID-19 and recent floods in Southern NSW, lots of small businesses and the families and communities they serve, are doing it tough. One way we’ve seen people showing their support for these local businesses is through the #shoplocal #shopvictoria and #buyfromthebush movements. We’ve been inspired by this and wanted to share a #shopsocialenterprise guide based on some of the businesses we’ve been working with over the last 18 months. read more

Resilience, at what cost?

Over the past six months we as a team have navigated our own business and helped hundreds of others to do the same. We went from having a clear business model and ready to write our best year ever to having nothing as certain and many parts of our own business model under threat. read more

Finding motivation to continue business during COVID-19

By Isaac Jeffries & Erin Wallis As the current economic climate evolves with ... read more

Pivoting during COVID: responses from Fiji

Recently, we caught up with Deb Sadranu at Essence of Fiji to see how things are going for her, her business, and Fiji in the face of COVID-19. Tourism is a key industry for Fiji, and Essence of Fiji usually serves the tourists. As a result of COVID-19, Deb’s whole business model has pivoted from predominantly local, in-store sales, to predominantly international, online sales. read more

A letter to my daughter about Black Lives Matter and racial inequality

A letter to my daughter in the wake of Black Lives Matter. read more

Why mindset matters to women’s entrepreneurship and why we should invest in it, especially now

At The Difference Incubator (TDi) we’ve been supporting social entrepreneurs to start and grow ... read more

Customer Empathy Interviewing

When was the last time you asked your customers what they thought? We use Customer Empathy ... read more

Pivoting your business model during a crisis

A conversation with Geert from FarmWallGeert Hendrix founded FarmWall in 2016. Farmwall is an ... read more

Business During COVID-19: In perspective

At TDi, we believe in the significance and power of small business’ and social enterprise’s contribution to life and the economy. It is this belief that drives us to support them now more than ever. read more

Working from Home

It’s one thing to make the choice to work from home, but it’s another to be forced to for reasons beyond your control. Even the seasoned work from homers are feeling the pinch in this time of forced isolation – I am no exception!! Oh, and throw in supervision of remote learning for your children and it’s even more challenging. read more

Surviving the campsite in the COVID-19 crisis

Two weeks ago, I shared with the team an analogy of a campsite. I reflected that our house has burnt down and we are struggling to reconcile the shock and the grief of all that is happening. I shared with them that I’ve been thinking that we need to set up camp, for now while we figure out how to reinvent for the new normal. We have a temporary place of residence and it’s not what we would have chosen but we can create from it. So, for the past two weeks, we have been focused on getting the campsite set up, trying to work out where stuff goes, who’s sleeping where and how to trade out of a tent. read more

Navigating upheaval: our last 7 days

Like most small business and NFPs we only just began to comprehend the wholescale impact of the Coronavirus on our business and the Australian economy last week. Within 7 days it hit us hard. read more

Koongarra cultural tourism: creating experiences and opportunities in Kakadu National Park

Meet Difference Maker James Morgan and cultural tourism entrepreneur. James was a participant ... read more

The Hidden Value of Creative Industries: Bringing Life to Many Economies

It fascinated us that creative industries aren’t included in Papua New Guinea’s GDP, in fact there is very little data to understand the economic impact of creative industries in PNG. This is staggering considering that creative industries represent $US2.250 Billion in the global economy (World Economic Forum, 2015). This includes all creative industries including visual arts, media, TV, music etc. Other research suggests Handicrafts contributes around US$32 Billion to the global economy (The Aspen Institute Artisan Alliance) but this is a difficult figure to nail down when whole economies don’t even count handicrafts in their GDP. Other interesting facts from the World Economic Forum’s study found that Creative industries are more inclusive employers employing more youth (15-29 years) than any other sector, employ a higher percentage of women compared to other sectors globally and small business makes up a large portion of this sector as well. In the US artists are 3.5 times more likely to be self-employed. read more

TDi enters a new stage of consciousness and clarity

What is TDi? This is a question we are asked all the time, and have struggled to answer with ... read more

Doubling your revenue and doubling your profits: a bold but achievable challenge

This week has been full of tough questions, soul searching, tears and laughter. The theme of the week has been “Doubling your revenue and doubling your profits” – a bold challenge, but one that’s achievable. Here are some of the interesting themes and lessons that came up in the accelerator… read more

TDi celebrates UN World Day of Social Justice with demonstrations of hope for a more just and inclusive economy.

20 February 2020 Today the UN is calling for “closing the inequalities gap to achieve ... read more

PNG-Aus Partnership program connects a different kind of entrepreneurial network

“I’m very, very passionate about Indigenous female entrepreneurship, so, when I heard ... read more

Long-standing cultural connections forge new trade links between Australia and PNG

While it seems like these women live separate lives in separate parts of the world, they are in fact, connected by a deep thread uncovered during the #PNGAusPartnership Laikim Sister pilot program. Laikim Sister is an Australian Government supported program delivered in partnership with TDi, that connects Indigenous Australian and PNG women entrepreneurs. The program highlights that there are deeply embedded and long-standing connections between Papua New Guinea and Australia, and when highlighted, they create opportunity for business and industry growth. Game Enough? creates foods and beverages that adopt the flavours of the Australian bush. read more

Celebrating the 2019 difference makers as we enter a new decade

At TDi 2019 was another amazing year. Again, we’ve had the privilege of helping Difference ... read more

Here’s to the difference makers…

Australia’s bushfire disaster has shown that hope and leadership can come from unlikely places ... read more

Social Innovation with Clout: Insights from Canada’s social impact ecosystem

From Olivia Clark-Moffatt In June, donkey wheel foundation, sent a group of leaders from ... read more

Climate Heroes

A letter to our children on the 2040 we hope for… Have you seen Damon Gameau’s 2040 yet? It’s ... read more

TDi’s Reading Guide

Annie, CEO – Annie is a perfectly primed systems-challenger, with experience in starting ... read more

The art of rule-breaking

From Annie Smits, CEO I consider myself a ‘seasoned rule-breaker’ having dedicated much ... read more

The Full Monty the movie, and the next economy

From Anna Moegerlein, Principal The Full Monty is one of my favourite movies. ... read more

The stories we tell ourselves

If you have ever dreamt of a society with great wealth, distributed fairly and intended ... read more

Technology, inequality and the future of work

Image courtesy of Square Up, Australia. Reflections on The University of Melbourne ... read more

Growing quickly? 5 tips to maintain your startup’s culture

One of the difficult challenges facing startups as they transcend the boundary from concept to ... read more

Investing in more than a business: Investor engagement with Essence of Fiji

Recently we took Deb Sadranu, Founder and Managing Director of Essence of Fiji to meet with ... read more

Avengers: Endgame – an analysis

A few of us in the TDi office contributed to the Avengers: Endgame’s astonishing $1.7b opening ... read more

Modern Slavery – it is closer than you think

Modern slavery refers to slavery as it exists in the world today, which entraps people through ... read more

Two Feet 2017/18 – where are they now?

Over the years we’ve seen first-hand how hard it can be to build sustainable organisations ... read more

YuMi Wins Shared Value Award 2018

Across the Asia Pacific inspiring and impactful shared value initiatives were selected as ... read more

TDi in the Pacific: Q&A with our Head of Pacific Programs Anna

Anna Moegerlein works here at TDi heading up our consulting and business development in the ... read more

Meet Our New CEO: Anthea Smits

With 2018 full swing ahead, so is TDi's new CEO Anthea Smits (or Annie to the team!), who is ... read more

Two Feet Profile: big little brush

The Two Feet Melbourne Accelerator 2018 is up and running, and our first cohort of the year, ... read more

Melbourne Two Feet 2018 Cohort Announced!

We really can’t believe that Two Feet 2018 is already upon us, and are so excited to formally ... read more

Staff Profile: Meagan Williams Head of Programs

At The Difference Incubator, we are all about connecting with and supporting mission-led ... read more

8 Ethical Presents for the Holidays

Holiday shopping can be stressful…especially for those of us who are passionate about the ... read more

Two Feet Profile: Speakers Bank

In the countdown to our Two Feet Showcase, we are profiling some of the teams we’ve been ... read more

Two Feet Profile: Farmwall

In the countdown to our Two Feet Showcase, we are profiling some of the teams we’ve been ... read more

Countdown to the Two Feet Showcase

We’ve been fortunate over the course of the past six months to work with some of the most ... read more

Introducing TDi’s new CEO

After seven years building, piloting and growing TDi, Bessi Graham will be stepping down as ... read more

Undercover at Two Feet: Investment

Welcome to the sixth instalment of Undercover at Two Feet, where we cover each Two Feet topic ... read more

Case Study: Family by Family

Opportunity In 2010 the South Australian Government asked the Australian Centre for Social ... read more

Undercover at Two Feet: Business Finance Fundamentals

Welcome to the fifth instalment of Undercover at Two Feet, where we cover each Two Feet topic ... read more

Undercover at Two Feet: Theory of Change

Welcome to the fourth instalment of Undercover at Two Feet, where we cover each Two Feet topic ... read more

Undercover at Two Feet: Piloting & Prototyping

Welcome to the third instalment of Undercover at Two Feet, where we cover each Two Feet topic ... read more

Meet the Entrepreneurs: Ethical Foods

As Two Feet is well and truly underway across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, we thought it ... read more

Undercover at Two Feet: Customer Focus & Value Proposition

Welcome to the second instalment of Undercover at Two Feet, where we cover each Two Feet topic ... read more

Undercover at Two Feet: Intent

Welcome to the first instalment of Undercover at Two Feet, where we’ll be covering each Two ... read more

Why we’ve Broken Up with Social Enterprise

If you’ve ever experienced a break up, you’ll probably know how we feel right now. We began ... read more

Movers, Shakers & Changemakers: May

Welcome to the May edition of Movers, Shakers and Changemakers. Once a month we highlight our ... read more

Introducing 2017’s Sydney & Brisbane Two Feeters!

This week marks the second week of the launch of Two Feet 2017, with our first sessions taking ... read more

Exploring the Tension between ‘Doing Good’ & ‘Making Money’

This blog was written by TDi’s Pacific Investment Readiness Program Lead, Anna ... read more

Introducing 2017’s Melbourne Two Feeters!

This week marks the launch of Two Feet 2017, with our first sessions taking place in Melbourne ... read more

Announcing our Second leveraged Investment into the Pacific with Tanna Coffee

TDi are proud and excited to announce the second investment that we enabled into the Pacific. ... read more

Charity’s Dead- So What Next?

Charity, as we know it, is dead, but there’s a new alternative to solve the world’s problems. ... read more

Movers, Shakers & Changemakers: April

So it’s that time again; time for April’s Movers, Shakers and Changemakers- we’re highlighting ... read more

Anthea’s Blog About Finding Opportunity in Adversity

I love hearing the stories of social entrepreneurs; their stories of courage and passion, ... read more

Creative Ways to Refresh Your Business Model

This blog was written by Isaac Jeffries, an associate of TDi. Designing new business models ... read more

Business Model Alarm Bells

This blog was written by Isaac Jeffries, an associate of TDi. Filling in a business model ... read more

Why is a Business Model Important for Creating Impact?

This blog was written by Isaac Jeffries, an associate of TDi. Think about your favourite ... read more

Able Bakehouse

In 2016 TDi began bespoke consultancy work with a Melbourne bakehouse with a difference, Able ... read more

A Two Feet Retrospective: m-Time

In the lead up to Two Feet 2017, we want to look back on some of the incredible work our ... read more

Five Tips from Ben to Broaden Your Network

[vc_row row_height_percent="0" override_padding="yes" h_padding="2" top_padding="5" ... read more

International Women’s Day at TDi

What does International Women’s Day mean to you? For us in business, it’s another opportunity ... read more

Movers, Shakers & Changemakers: March

Welcome to the first instalment of Movers, Shakers and Changemakers- where once a month we’ll ... read more

A Two Feet Retrospective: Spare Harvest

In the lead up to Two Feet 2017, we want to look back on some of the incredible work our ... read more

What do TDi & the Oscars have in common?

Over the past year, we’ve been working closely with coffee-growing and producing enterprise ... read more

Bessi’s Reflections on Samoa

It was such a privilege to be in Samoa recently and not only have the chance to meet some ... read more

Meet: Youthworx

Youthworx joined the Two Feet program as a well-established business with almost a decade ... read more

SBS Reports: Samoa’s Economy Riding the Wave of Coconut Trend

Over the past year, we’ve been working closely with coffee-growing and producing enterprise ... read more

WATCH: Our Work in the Pacific

Since 2015 we have been working closely with enterprises across the Pacific to explore ... read more

Ben’s First Week at TDi

The last two and a half months have been a bit of a blur for me. A Perth native, I have been ... read more

A Two Feet Retrospective: Nora’s Plantation Foods

In the lead up to Two Feet 2017, we want to look back on some of the incredible work our ... read more

A Two Feet Retrospective: BE Enterprise

In the lead up to Two Feet 2017, we want to look back on some of the incredible work our ... read more

Why Two Feet?

All entrepreneurs face hurdles in their business journey. Often they question their purpose ... read more

How un-social sector of us…

There’s a lot of talk in the market about Investment Readiness and Capacity Building ... read more

How to Make Your Organisation Investment Ready

When an investor is looking to make an impact investment, they’re looking for a business that ... read more

Are You Curious Enough to Build a Good Business?

by Ishani Chattopadhyay, Head of Programs at TDi (2016) Over the past 15 years I have been an ... read more

Meet: Refugee Talent

Last year I wrote about why booking too far in advance can be dangerous for your business, and this concept of margin so eloquently captures what I had recognized had been my problem: I was so booked up with clients that I wasn’t leaving any margin for error, growth, planning, or reflection. read more