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SSE named Telstra Best of Business Awards NSW State Finalist

Written by Admin | 9 September 2024

The Sydney School of Entrepreneurship (SSE) is thrilled to announce being named as a NSW State Finalist for the Telstra Best of Business Awards in the Building Communities category. This recognition celebrates our unwavering commitment to fostering entrepreneurial education across Australia and highlights our transformative impact on communities, particularly underserved groups.

At SSE, we believe that entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business—it’s a mindset, a problem-solving approach that can empower individuals to navigate complex social and economic challenges. Our mission is to democratise entrepreneurial education in Australia, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of background or circumstance. 

It’s a philosophy that has driven our efforts to build resilient communities and drive positive, long-lasting change, so to have our mission recognised and celebrated by the prestigious Telstra Best in Business Awards is as much of a thrill as it is an honour!

What we do: a purpose-driven approach

SSE is a social enterprise dedicated to making entrepreneurship education the driving force behind personal, social, and economic transformation in Australia. Our purpose is clear: we equip individuals with the tools and skills necessary to forge their own paths in a fast-changing modern workforce and world.

Our educational programs focus on real-world applications, ensuring that learners can apply their knowledge in various contexts—whether that’s founding a small business, side business, or startup, leading or participating in community initiatives, or driving change within existing organisations.

And central to our mission is the belief that equitable access to education is essential for a more inclusive and dynamic economy. SSE has made it a priority to support underrepresented groups, including First Nations Australians, women and girls, young people, and culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) communities; SSE programs are specifically designed to address the unique barriers these groups face, providing them with the skills and confidence to succeed in work and life.

SSE operates at the intersection of education, industry, community, and government, ensuring our programs are both relevant and impactful. Collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders enables us to co-design and co-deliver programs that are deeply integrated into real-world contexts.

Practical skills for a changing world

At SSE, we emphasise the development of practical, real-world skills that can be immediately applied in the workforce or in entrepreneurial ventures. Our programs focus on upskilling, reskilling, and preparing people for work and self-employment. By honing critical skills and abilities like problem-solving, teamwork, and communication, we ensure that our learners are equipped to thrive in any environment.

Looking ahead, SSE’s vision is ambitious. 

By 2030, we aim to:

  • upskill 2,500 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
  • facilitate the creation of 500,000 CaLD businesses
  • empower one million young people
  • advance the careers of one million women and girls 

These goals are grounded in our commitment to driving inclusive economic growth and solving complex social challenges. Our recognition as a State Finalist in the Telstra Best of Business Awards is a testament to the impact we have already achieved, and a powerful motivator to continue this important work scaling our programs and deepening our engagement with all our learners and their communities!

The entire SSE team is honoured to be acknowledged alongside other remarkable organisations that share our passion for fostering positive change through innovation and community building, and driving meaningful social and economic impact.

Together with our partners and stakeholders, we look forward to continuing working towards a brighter, more inclusive future for all Australians.