Integreat Queensland Learning Facilitator Jaclyn Thompson attended the Social Enterprise World Forum in Brisbane last month where she not only learnt about social enterprises and what characteristics, principles and features define them, but where she was also inspired by many of the featured speakers presenting their successful social enterprises throughout Australia and the world.

“The first day of the Social Enterprise World Forum I joined the academic symposium which was a fringe event where they looked at the research around social enterprises and the strengths and weaknesses of the industry,” Jaclyn said.

“They looked at the research around social enterprises and the strengths and weaknesses of the industry which was interesting with researchers predicting social enterprises are going to increase significantly over the next decade.”

Jaclyn said one of her favorite sessions she attended was with Australian former wheelchair tennis player, former wheelchair basketball player, radio host and motivational speaker Dylon Alcott who runs two social enterprises.

“I have admired Dylan for some time now. At the forum, he talked about how all social enterprises need to be inclusive and not just for the disabled or the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) community,” she said.

“He believes for a social enterprise to be successful; they need to be inclusive for everyone where everyone can benefit from the services delivered.”