The Inspiring Story of Base Soaps: A Social Enterprise Making a Difference
Base Soaps, a local social enterprise founded by Mick Cronin and Lianne Brink, has transformed a simple gift-giving experiment into a thriving business with a powerful social purpose. Let’s delve into their journey and learn how they are making a difference in Australia’s rural and remote communities.
From Homemade Soap to a Successful Business
- Base Soaps was born out of a gift-giving experiment in 2017 by Mick Cronin and Lianne Brink.
- What started as a small endeavor has now grown into a fully-fledged business that sells tens of thousands of bars and liquid soaps across Australia.
- Co-founder Mick, with a background in Chemistry, envisioned Base Soaps to have a social purpose – to address preventable diseases in rural and remote Australian communities.
- Base Soaps is a social enterprise, meaning that giving back is ingrained in the company’s core values, with a commitment to donate at least 50% of profits to causes that tackle issues like preventable diseases.
Supporting Social Entrepreneurs
Along their journey, Mick and Lianne received valuable support from mentors, many of whom were connected through Canberra’s social enterprise intermediary, The Mill House Ventures.
- The Mill House Ventures offers a range of support services for local social enterprises, including workshops and mentoring programs.
- Their latest program, Scale for Impact, aims to help established social enterprises like Base Soaps identify growth opportunities.
- Scale for Impact, funded by the ACT Government, provides tailored business support to help social enterprises grow and secure funding.
Encouraging Entrepreneurial Impact
Mick Cronin encourages aspiring entrepreneurs with a social mission to engage with The Mill House Ventures and explore opportunities to make a difference.
“Whether you have an established business or just an idea, connecting with organizations like The Mill House Ventures can help you drive positive change and enjoy the process,” says Mick.
To learn more about the Scale for Impact program, visit millhouseventures.com.au/scale.
Conclusion
Base Soaps exemplifies how a simple idea fueled by a social purpose can blossom into a successful venture that creates meaningful impact in communities. Through their commitment to giving back and support from organizations like The Mill House Ventures, Mick and Lianne are paving the way for a new generation of socially conscious entrepreneurs.
FAQs
What is Base Soaps?
Base Soaps is a social enterprise founded by Mick Cronin and Lianne Brink, dedicated to producing high-quality hygiene products while contributing to addressing preventable diseases in Australia’s rural and remote communities.
How can aspiring social entrepreneurs get involved?
Entrepreneurs interested in making a social impact can connect with organizations like The Mill House Ventures, which offer support programs and resources to help social enterprises grow and thrive.