Amplify Alliance Australia is proud to announce a new international partnership with Fondazione Opes-Lcef, establishing Amplify Alliance as Australia’s official partner for the 2026 Social Enterprise Open Camp (SEOC) in Italy.
The partnership will create new opportunities for Members to connect with global leaders, innovators, investors and changemakers working at the forefront of social enterprise and social impact.
As part of the partnership, 13 funded scholarships will be made available exclusively to Full Members of Amplify Alliance to participate in SEOC 2026 – an immersive international program bringing together social entrepreneurs, impact investors, academics, philanthropic organisations and ecosystem leaders from across the world.
Debra Cerasa, CEO of Amplify Alliance, shares, “Our Members are tackling some of Australia’s most complex social challenges every day. This partnership creates a pathway for them to connect with global leaders, share their expertise, and bring new ideas home to strengthen the communities they serve.
That’s why we’re so excited to be able to offer 13 scholarships and expand these opportunities in 2026.“
Amplify Alliance CEO Debra Cerasa has also been once again recognised as the Australian Ambassador for SEOC 2026, further strengthening Australia’s representation within the global social enterprise ecosystem.
“I’m humbled to be invited as Australia’s Ambassador again for Social Enterprise Open Camp 2026. I see this role as an opportunity to champion the incredible work being led by Australian social enterprises, while creating stronger connections between our Members and the global social enterprise ecosystem,” shares Debra Cerasa.
The partnership builds on Amplify Alliance’s successful 2025 pilot scholarship program, which enabled eight Australian social enterprise leaders to participate in SEOC and bring global insights back to the Australian sector.
Participants reported significant benefits, including strengthened leadership capability, expanded international networks, new partnership opportunities and greater exposure to innovative social enterprise models being implemented around the world.
What This Means for Members
Through this partnership, Amplify Alliance will:
- Provide 13 funded scholarships for individuals from Full Member organisations to attend SEOC 2026.
- Create direct pathways into international learning and collaboration opportunities.
- Connect Australian organisations with global leaders in social enterprise, impact investment and systems change.
- Strengthen the visibility and influence of Australian social enterprises on the international stage.
- Bring global insights back to inform local practice, innovation and advocacy.
Each scholarship will cover registration, accommodation, meals and local transport for the event in Italy.
Representing Members Globally
Social enterprise continues to play an increasingly important role in addressing complex social, economic and environmental challenges. As more Members explore mission-aligned trading models to diversify income and strengthen sustainability, international collaboration is becoming increasingly valuable.
This partnership positions Amplify Alliance as a connector between Australia’s Not for Profit and social enterprise sector, and a growing global network of practitioners, investors, researchers and policymakers.
Looking Ahead
The seventh Social Enterprise Open Camp will be held in the Emilia-Romagna region, Italy, from 21–24 November 2026, commencing in the capital city of Bologna.
Amplify Alliance looks forward to supporting Members to access this unique opportunity and ensuring Australian perspectives continue to contribute to global conversations about social enterprise, systems change and community impact.
Further information about the scholarship program, including eligibility criteria and the application process, will be shared with Members soon.
Interested in applying? Scholarships will be available exclusively to individuals of current Full Member organisations of Amplify Alliance Australia. Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria, and applications are assessed by a panel of Amplify Alliance Australia and Fondazione Opes-Lcef representatives.
