Turning Vision Into Power: Social Enterprise Tackles Energy and Procurement Challenges
As part of our regular program of events at the FB IDEAs Hub, a diverse group of hub members, entrepreneurs, and supporters gathered recently to explore the realities, roadblocks, and rewards of running a social enterprise in the impact and clean energy space.
Beyond exploring what a social enterprise actually is, and how to make it thrive (spoiler: the key to success is to run it as a business, not as a mission!), the sessions added value came from the diverse backgrounds of participants, which sparked unexpected connections and opportunities in the room.
A bold move to social entrepreneurship
At the centre of the powerful conversation was Victor Nguyen, Hub member and former corporate professional who in 2023 launched the social enterprise Upsol Pty Ltd to replace diesel generators in remote communities. With no viable alternative available on the market, this was his gap to fill – both to address humanitarian and community needs, and serve the agriculture and construction industry. His larger mission: provide sustainable power, water, and communications where infrastructure is limited or absent.
Victor highlighted unexpected roadblocks – like the lack of a clear definition for Social Enterprises, and that Australian funding is often directed to supporting local efforts whereas regions torn by civil war are the intended focus areas for Upsol. This showed that running a social enterprise with big ambitions means navigating multiple pressures – from governments, investors, customers, and advocacy groups – all with competing expectations.
From CSR tokenism to real business value
In this light, it was impressive yet subtle to hear how Victor identified what truly moves the needle for a successful social enterprise, an insight he shared as key takeaway – to run business as usual. Social enterprises must evolve beyond being seen merely as tools for corporate social responsibility, and disassociate from selling feel-good narratives or ‘virtue signs’. To thrive, they need to compete effectively, make robust economic decisions, and deliver exceptional customer value.
Policy shifts aside, social enterprises must meet key procurement criteria – economic value, reduced supplier risk, and ease of doing business – rather than relying solely on their social mission to open doors.
With social procurement now embedded in government policies, mission-led businesses do have real opportunities if they align with measurable procurement goals. Knowing how procurement managers think can help, to identify what they need to report against and which opportunities exist.
However, “People don’t buy a mission - they buy a solution,” Victor said. Achieving outcomes for ‘People and Planet’ should be a by-product of sound business decisions, not a substitute for them. Be competitive and add value to clients.
What comes next for Upsol
Besides of running a startup business as usual, Victor continues to seek partnership opportunuties with organisations already working in politically unstable regions and pursuing targeted funding. His concept is holistic with long-term sustainability of deployed systems in mind – through upskilling and training of the local communities to maintain the technology themselves.
Events like these show that when innovation meets collaboration, the potential for impact grows exponentially. This session generated enthusiastic feedback and meaningful networking – both validating Victor’s approach and highlighting broader opportunities.
Get Involved
We have a regular program of events and networking opportunities at the FB IDEAs Hub, and throughout Fishermans Bend. Subscribe to our monthly eNews to get updates!
You might also like to join the FB IDEAs Hub community. Located within walking distance of the future Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct, the Hub is more than just a co-working space — it’s a community where the future is being actively built.
We offer free* co-working space (* subject to T&Cs) and the chance to be part of a growing start-up ecosystem working across cleantech, aerospace, renewables, regenerative architecture, placemaking, product design, circular economy, business consulting and much more.
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