By Lulu Y.
Attending the SECNA (Social Enterprise Council NSW and ACT) Quarterly Meetup was such a valuable experience. The session deepened my understanding of funding options for social enterprises, particularly the differences between grants, debt, and equity. I appreciated how the panelists broke down complex financial concepts and made them more accessible, even for those new to the space.
One highlight for me was hearing Nina Yousefpour speak about the philanthropic landscape in Australia. Her insights into how funding relationships are built, especially through intermediaries and community foundations, really opened my eyes to the human side of funding. I also found the discussion around patient capital and the importance of aligning values between funders and enterprises very thought-provoking.
It was also inspiring to meet like-minded individuals, including entrepreneurs like Nandeeta from Goods4Good. Connecting with others who are passionate about using business for social good helped me feel more connected to the broader movement.
If I had to choose a least favourite part, it would be how overwhelming the capital landscape can feel at first, but the meetup made it much less intimidating.
I would absolutely recommend the SECNA Quarterly Meetup to any other young CFS members. It is not only informative but also energising!! It offers a rare space to learn, reflect, and feel part of a growing ecosystem of change makers.