Today is Social Enterprise Day, a moment to celebrate businesses that put purpose at the heart of what they do. For Jenika and myself, Amarapave was never just about asphalt—it’s about people. It’s about reimagining what’s possible when we approach business with courage and a commitment to create opportunities for others.
Starting Amarapave as a social enterprise was a decision rooted in our belief that everyone deserves access to meaningful work. We’ve seen how the construction industry can feel like a closed door—especially for women and non-binary individuals. It’s hard to walk through a door that seems bolted shut. Amarapave exists to unbolt that door, throw it wide open, and say, “Come in. You belong here.”
But we don’t just look for opportunities in one corner of the industry. From positions at the asphalt plant to spray seal crews, to hands-on paving teams, we’re constantly seeking ways to connect people with roles across the entire umbrella of this trade. We know that finding the right opportunity can be life-changing—not just for the person stepping into the role but for the industry that gains their unique perspective and talent.
Social enterprises like Amarapave operate at the intersection of business and purpose. For us, profit isn’t the goal—it’s the tool we use to fuel programmes that give people the skills, certifications, and confidence to thrive. Every road we pave and every crew we send out helps fund a future where our industry reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.
Choosing to run a social enterprise wasn’t just a business decision; it was a leap of faith. It takes courage to step into something bigger than yourself, to commit to a mission where success means change—not just for us but for the people and the industry we care about. And let me tell you, the road isn’t always smooth. But it’s worth it. Every bump, every detour, every lesson—it’s all part of building something meaningful.
On this Social Enterprise Day, we’re pausing to celebrate not just Amarapave’s journey but the countless other social enterprises around the world working to build a better future. If you’ve ever hired a social enterprise, supported one, or even just spread the word about the work we’re doing—thank you. Your choices make this work possible.
We believe the future of construction lies in its ability to embrace and celebrate diversity. While that vision takes shape, we’ll keep working to create pathways for those ready to contribute their skills and voices.
Thank you for walking this journey with us. Together, we can build more than roads—we can build a better, more inclusive industry for everyone.
Ash MacMahon Co-Founder & Field Director