Lifting social performance among SMEs

Social Traders Leader members Mirvac and Icon, have partnered with Social Traders on the Elevate Program – Australia’s first initiative designed to strengthen social performance across the construction supply chain.

Mirvac and Icon are respectively sponsoring a group of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to strengthen their impact and operational maturity across Tier 2 supplier networks. This initiative sets a new benchmark for industry collaboration and social procurement leadership.

This 10-month program delivered by Social Traders, aims to equip and empower SMEs with practical resources and know-how to supercharge their ability to make a greater impact on communities and the planet by embedding sustainable business practices in their operations.

Mirvac have sponsored Soclean, Circka, GTC Engineering and Proline Group while Six Degrees Architects, AMA Precast and SQG Group are sponsored by Icon.

“We know many SMEs suppliers, do not have the necessary internal resources or expertise to drive social performance unlike large organisations. Social performance encompasses how businesses impact people – your employees, suppliers, customers, and the communities you operate in.

Through the Elevate Program, both companies can lift their supply chain’s social performance maturity further by drawing upon our expertise and knowledge in this space. We provide SMEs with the necessary resources and support to make that journey easier and accelerate their social impact efforts.” – Tara Anderson, CEO Social Traders.

The program provides participants five core components:

• Assess and identify business maturity levels in social procurement and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
• Build practical skills across ESG and social procurement with tailored training sessions.
• Network and connect with other SMEs and social enterprises on the program to foster meaningful collaboration.
• Track spend and impact throughout the program to inform future strategy and procurement decisions.
• Access various tools, resources and advice that further support efforts to drive meaningful social value and impact.

Commenting on the program, Daniel Rowe, EGM – Environmental, Social, Governance at Cirka said.

"The program has given our business a better understanding of the opportunities to partner and support social enterprises which extend beyond the traditional goods and services we procure.”

Joey Cooney, Social Procurement Lead at Six Degrees Architects is also participating in the program and comments,

“The Elevate Program has been an eye-opener and has expanded my awareness of just how many social enterprises are out there, and how professional services like ours can contribute in a meaningful way.”

Last month, a few participating SMEs including Cirka and Six Degrees Architects visited Social Traders certified social enterprise, Ability Works Australia as part of the Elevate Program site visit experience – to learn more about social enterprises and identify opportunities to collaborate in the future.

Ability Works Australia creates long term meaningful employment to members of their community with a disability and those experiencing social disadvantage.

The site visit provided participants a first-hand experience on how Ability Works Australia supports employees with a welcoming and inclusive workplace that creates a sense of belonging, independence, pride and joy. Participants also witnessed how employees with different abilities and skillsets create quality products and services.

“It was great to understand the opportunities an organisation like Ability Works provides to our community. I found it particularly insightful how they have continued to innovate to remove barriers to long term employment.” – Daniel Rowe, EGM – Environmental, Social, Governance at Cirka

“We got to experience some of the social outcomes generated firsthand. Seeing how happy and dedicated the employees are to their work at Ability Works, reaffirms businesses spending with social enterprises, create real change amongst the communities we interact with.” – Oliver Sanders, ESG Consultant at Cirka

“It was amazing to see the inclusive employment opportunities Ability Works provide, and to witness people who have faced challenges in life gaining new skills, building friendships, growing in confidence, and becoming part of a supportive team – it’s incredibly inspiring and insightful.” – Joey Cooney, Social Procurement Lead at Six Degrees Architects

The Elevate Program demonstrates the value large contractors can unlock by investing in the capability of their supply chains. Mirvac and Icon are leading the way in pioneering the program, but there is a significant opportunity for other companies to follow and accelerate social impact for a fairer, more equitable and sustainable economy.

By sponsoring cohorts of SMEs, large contractors can accelerate supplier maturity, enhance procurement outcomes, and deliver measurable social impact. The Elevate Program offers a practical pathway to strengthen social performance and drive long-term value. And the program model is adaptable to major projects or broader supply chain strategies.

Now is the time to act.

Consider how Elevate could support your supply chain — whether for a flagship project or as part of your wider ESG and procurement strategy.

Visit Elevate Program to learn more. If you would like to have a discovery call, contact us today.