10 Aussie small businesses that are changing the world

There are so many great Aussie small businesses doing their bit to make our world a better place. We’ve chosen 10 that we think are leading the pack. 

Good Beer Company

As Australia’s first social enterprise beer company, The Good Beer Co. exists to sell beer to make money for good causes, giving at least 50 percent of its profits to charity – including protecting the Great Barrier Reef via the Australian Marine Conservation Society.

Founder James Grugeon has over 20 years experience in corporate and social responsibility, media and communications, government relations, business development, environmental responsibility and leadership gained in social enterprises, big businesses and start ups and as the CEO of one of the UK’s oldest environmental charities.

As a beer drinker and campaigner at heart, James set up The Good Beer Co because he wants to make it easy to drink good beer and do good at the same time.

Wash Away Poverty

Wash Away Poverty is an organic body-care range that funds WaterAid projects in developing countries & supports the sustainability of our planet.

Founder Emily-Rose believes everyone should have access to clean water and donates 50 percent of profits to Water Aid and Carbon Neutral.

Seljak Brand

Seljak Brand makes recycled wool blankets using offcuts from the factory floor of Australia’s oldest mill in Tasmania. This company is driven by sustainable principles, he blankets are made from 70% recycled merino wool and a 30% blend of recycled alpaca, mohair and polyester for strength. Wool is a natural fibre that is incredibly hard to replicate – it’s a renewable resource, it is odour and stain resistant, antibacterial, lightweight, breathable and insulating.

After the blanket has enjoyed a long, adventurous life they’ll collect it free of charge using Sendle, a carbon neutral courier service. Back at the mill, they’ll shred it and spin it into new yarn to make future blankets.

This circular model allows them to divert waste from landfill and create a luxurious and useful blanket for your coziness.

BE.

BE. Bangles is more than a bangle brand with quirky empowering quotes.

BE. supports One Girl, an amazing organisation on a mission to educate 1 million girls across Africa.

“We partner with One Girl to give girls in Uganda and Sierra Leone access to education. Each bangle sold can fund a day of education in some of the poorest countries in the world. Why? Because no matter what you’re led to believe, each of us has the power to change the world.”

Spud Sponge

Spud Sponge isn’t just cleaning faces with their natural, biodegradable products, but is also working to fix a much dirtier international issue – human trafficking and slavery.

“The Spud Sponge team feel a deep responsibility to look after people in our world.Those born into poverty, disadvantage and injustice.”

Founder Rachel Cooper donates $1 from every sponge sold to charities including Freedom Hub, A21 and Destiny Rescue.

Kester Black

Established in 2009 by Anna Ross, Kester Black designs and produces ethical, sustainable cosmetics and skincare. Our products are the first in the world to obtain a vast suite of accreditations such as Choose Cruelty Free, International Cruelty Free, Vegan Society, Australian Made and B Corporation.

We aim to redefine the industry standard for ethical cosmetics by making beautiful, quality products that have a positive social and environmental impact.

Kester Black has a formal commitment to donate 2% of revenue including in-kind donations to registered charities every year including Animals Asia, Bush Heritage Australia, Water Aid, and the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. 

Socielle

Socielle source artisans from the around the globe who provide handmade, ethical, ecofriendly, socially responsible items and bring them into one location to help you shop to create a better world. Every purchase allows you to choose who you want 10% of their sales (excluding shipping) to go to; you can support poverty, homelessness, female refugees, children with disabilities and animal rights and more – all with just one purchase.

“We’re committed to providing our community with luxurious lifestyle & fashion items and gifts that have been made with a conscience. Every purchase changes lives with shopfunding via our charity partners.”

Who Gives A Crap

Simon, Jehan and Danny started Who Gives A Crap in 2012when they learnt that 2.3 billion people across the world don’t have access to a toilet.

They started making toilet paper with 50% of their profits going to help build toilets and improve sanitation in the developing world.

“Though we’re still growing, and now make more than just toilet paper, we always want to stay true to our roots: toilet humour and making the world a better place.”

Elkie & Ark

Launched in late 2016, this young business has already had an incredible impact.

Founder Anne Foster is making a positive impact on the standards of the textile industry, creating an Australian-based luxury, bed-linen and homewares company. She is bringing sustainable and ethical out of its normal niches and showcasing the need for constant trend following, overconsumption and waste.

All Elkie & Ark products are hand-picked and sewn using 100% certified Global Organic Textile Standard and Fairtrade cotton, with all items created in fair trade certified factories. Every product can be traced right back to the farm (not just where it is ‘made’, but spun, woven and grown).

Tsuno

Tsuno is a social enterprise that sells disposable, sustainable bamboo fibre sanitary pads.

50% of profits are donated to charities that focus on empowering women, with the main focus being education and menstrual support. Tsuno has a current agreement with One Girl, who provide education scholarships and sanitary pads to marginalised girls in Sierra Leone and Uganda. They are also proud to have already donated to and continue to support the work of The International Women’s Development Agency, Share the Dignity, The Asylum Seekers Resource Centre and Essentials for Women South Australia.

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