“Conservative figures place the number of social enterprises in Australia at around 20,000 and each and every finalist demonstrates an admirable commitment to innovative and ethical practices,” says Susanna Bevilacqua, CEO, Moral Fairground and Award Co-founder.

“We look for organisations that are trying to change the conversation about the power and impact of profits, says Paul Smith, Head of Marketing, Australian Ethical and Award Co-founder.

“The Ethical Enterprise Award is a crucial tool in dispelling the myth that to have positive impact you have to shed your profitability. Nothing could be further from the truth.”

2014 finalists

• Dharma Door | Fair-trade homewares and lifestyle products making a positive impact through trade
• Eternal Creations | Fair-trade fashion brand with a transparent and ethical manufacturing process
• ETIKO | Ethically made, eco-friendly clothing, footwear and sports gear
• Mission Australia | Generating positive impact through employment opportunities for people excluded from the open labour market and reduction of state-wide mattress waste
• Seven Women | Sustainable enterprise with programs focusing on literacy, skills training and employment that socially and economically empowers marginalised women
• STREAT | A social enterprise that provides homeless and disadvantaged young people aged 16–25 years with a supported pathway from the streets to a career in the hospitality industry.

Winners will be announced on November 19.