Over the years we’ve seen first-hand how hard it can be to build sustainable organisations that create positive change in the world. We’ve built an accelerator program specifically for social entrepreneurs to give them the tools and confidence they need to build and run sustainable social enterprises and mission-led businesses. Since 2013, over 250 people have taken part in our Two Feet accelerator program and we’ve seen the incredible progress of many of those businesses. To share their inspiration, here are just some of the successful social enterprises we’ve worked with over the last few years:
Big Little Brush:
How they make money: Selling sustainable, bamboo toothbrushes at the moment, within the intention to increase their range. In their own words, Big Little Brush sell little things to create big impact.
How they do good: Their impact is two-fold. Firstly, the bamboo toothbrushes are creating awareness of and reduction in the waste of traditional plastic toothbrushes. Secondly, profits from Big Little Brush support organisations like Red Dust who provide health programs to remote communities in regional Australia.
Big Little Brush was borne from the Co-Founder’s experience with a busted wisdom tooth, and the belief that everyone should have access to primary health care as a fundamental human right.
As we heard from BLB last newsletter, since finishing the Two Feet program, Co-Founder Joel Hanna has used the Business Model Canvas to clearly articulate their growth strategy.
WIRE:
How they make money: WIRE provides a range of training, speakers, programs and other support to organisations, enabling them to better address issues that affect women and non-binary clients and employees. In particular, WIRE’s training and education focuses on family violence, financial capability, gender equity, and resilience and self-care.
How they do good: WIRE also offers programs for women, non-binary and gender-diverse people direct to the public at no cost, including a phone support line, walk-in centre and activities program for those experiencing homelessness and isolation. Through its feminist framework, WIRE is realising its vision: a society where women are safe, respected, valued, informed, empowered, and free to make genuine choices.
WIRE has delivered training to organisations across sectors including community organisations, banks and government departments and is looking forward to expanding its training social enterprise following the Two Feet program.
Farmwall:
How they make money: They design and implement technology enhanced, food producing solutions in urban spaces. They build indoor vertical veggie/herb gardens (or Farmwalls) for hospitality, workplaces, and schools.
How they do good: Farmwall’s mission is to transform our cities and built environments into food producing ecosystems to better our social and environmental outcomes. Farmwall products reduce food miles, food waste, the need for pesticides, all with minimal water and energy costs.
As founder, Geert Hendrix puts it—Farmwall began out of the belief that it’s possible to combine design, food production and technology to create future food solutions that fit with our existing ecosystem.
The Two Feet Incubator program helped Farmwall shape their ‘why’ and articulate their vision. It was a vital stepping stone in formulating the path for this rapidly growing startup.