Building a taxonomy of jobs-focused social enterprise in Australia: the key characteristics of Work Integration Social Enterprise (WISE)

This insights report, developed by University of Melbourne researchers as part of a national study on work-integration social enterprise (WISEs), presents a taxonomy of jobs-focused social enterprises in Australia. Drawing on a survey of sector operators, it maps how these organisations are structured, funded and run. The report is a useful reference for policymakers, funders and employment services researchers wanting an evidence-based picture of how varied the WISE sector is.

The findings show WISEs are organisationally diverse. Most are not-for-profit, though a meaningful share operate as for-profit or hybrid structures, and the sector is almost evenly split between standalone enterprises and business units within larger organisations. Their main focus is building people's job-readiness and transition into mainstream work, though a smaller share provide long-term employment directly. Compensation is also mixed, from award wages to unpaid training, and government funding, while common, is far from universal.