The Social Traders Elevate Program is a capability building initiative designed to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to strengthen their social performance, with a focus on embedding social procurement, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), and responsible business practices into everyday operations. Delivered over 6 months and developed specifically for organisations seeking to grow their impact in the "S" of ESG, the program provides a structured pathway for SMEs to enhance their social value, expand their networks, and forge meaningful partnerships with certified social enterprises.

At its core, the program enables SMEs to build the skills, confidence, and frameworks needed to engage effectively with diverse suppliers, contribute to social and economic inclusion, and differentiate themselves in competitive markets. Designed with the realities of smaller businesses in mind, the Elevate Program offers practical guidance, subject matter expertise, and hands on support to help participants build internal capability and measure real outcomes.

Who is this for

• Businesses who are being asked about social procurement, DE&I, ESG, and other responsible business activities in tenders and contract requirements
• Businesses who are not sure where to begin on their social performance journey but know steps needs to be taken
• Businesses that have limited internal resource dedicated to developing a social performance and social procurement approach

Program Components

1. Diagnostic - baseline diagnostic assessment to map your organisation's current maturity in social procurement and DE&I.
2. Training Program - three structured training sessions with expert facilitators covering an introduction to social procurement and diverse suppliers, best practice for embedding social procurement into your organisation, and ESG.
3. Networking - one curated networking event to connect with certified social enterprises and explore partnership opportunities.
4. Reporting - one impact report to capture your social procurement spend and the impact being generated as a result of that spend to demonstrate your social value to stakeholders.
5. Resources - participating organisations receive two logins to the Social Traders Portal for the duration of the program providing access to tools, supplier directories, updates, news, and opportunity posting board.
   

The portal forms a practical extension of the program, helping participants continue building capability outside of formal sessions. The value of this access is $6,500, with discounted access available for program alumni.

Outcomes for Participants

Many SMEs complete the program better equipped to meet client expectations, strengthen supply chain resilience, and contribute meaningfully to social and economic inclusion.

Expected benefits include:

• Increased capability in social procurement, DE&I, and ESG.
• Enhanced confidence and clarity on how to engage with diverse suppliers.
• Stronger organisational alignment around responsible business practices.
• Direct connections with certified social enterprises and new partnership opportunities.
• Improved reporting capability and clearer understanding of impact outcomes.
• A stronger competitive position when responding to tenders with social value requirements.

Program Duration & Commitment

The Elevate Program runs over 6 months, allowing time for meaningful capability building, implementation, and reflection. The program start date will be the week of 27 April.

Participant expectations include:

• Involvement of two staff members per organisation.
  Approximately 15 hours of coursework, in addition to time spent engaging with portal resources and gathering procurement spend data.
  
• This structure ensures SMEs have adequate time and support to build internal capability while maintaining alignment with day to day operational demands.

Eligibility

Participation in the program is open to SMEs with less than $100 million turnover or 50 or fewer employees, ensuring the program remains tailored to the needs and capacity of smaller organisations.

Pricing

The program fee is $3,000 + GST, which includes diagnostics, training, reporting, networking, and full portal access.

*Full portal access is valued at $6,500.

How to Apply

Submit an EOI on Gateway by ICN and you will be contacted to notify you that your submission has been received. Selected businesses will be notified via email by week of 30th March and sent registration details.

Why the Elevate Program Matters

Across industries, businesses face rising expectations to demonstrate their social and environmental impact. For SMEs, building this capability can be challenging without dedicated support, access to networks, and a structured framework. The Social Traders Elevate Program addresses this need by offering a highly practical, evidence based pathway for businesses to embed social procurement into their operations and deliver meaningful outcomes.

Participants gain the tools, relationships, and insights needed to position themselves as responsible, future focused organisations that contribute to social and economic inclusion. With stronger ESG credentials and a clear approach to social impact, SMEs can differentiate themselves in competitive markets and meet the expectations of clients, stakeholders, and communities.

For further information or questions please contact:
Abigail Peak
Head of Innovation, Social Traders
abigail.peak@socialtraders.com.au