The social enterprise sector in NI is growing and increasing in its support of the NI economy. If you ever needed evidence of this, read on!

The Social Enterprise NI Awards now attract almost 600 guests each year. At this year’s event 18 category winners were announced of which 4 winners were shortlisted by SEUK to enter their Awards, and represented NI against the best of England, Scotland, and Wales.

With tough competition from all parts of the UK, the NI Social Enterprises proved their worth with Paula Jennings from Stepping Stones recognised as Highly Commended Leader of the Year and The Workspace Group taking home the coveted Overall Social Enterprise of the Year, the first time a Social Enterprise from Northern Ireland has taken the crown in 11 years!

Congratulations also to Arts Care and Ravine (The Advantage Foundation) who entered the Best New Start Up and Social Impact categories respectively and whilst not being successful, were recognised for their work by many on the evening.

The Workspace Group were recognised as a social enterprise with a clear vision, outstanding impact, and a commitment to advancing the social enterprise movement beyond its immediate sector. The Group’s commercial ventures produce surpluses, which are reinvested into the Draperstown community and surrounding areas, providing resources that would otherwise be unavailable. Employing 100 staff across the UK and Ireland, Workspace generates an annual turnover of approximately £7.6 million and boasts net assets of around £9.5 million.

Social Enterprise NI CEO, Colin Jess, commented,

“We are absolutely delighted to see this accolade being awarded to The Workspace Group. We have known locally that they are a real example of how a social business can be innovative and focus on how its work can support those in their local area. It is great to see their work being recognised at a national level, indicating the strength of the social economy in NI. Well done The Workspace Group”

‘Shop, Celebrate, and Support Local Heroes at the Social Enterprise Christmas Market!’

As the Christmas lights go up around the town, the season is approaching, and so is an exciting opportunity to give back while you shop! Social Enterprise NI is encouraging you to #BuySocial and invites you to join the festive cheer at the Social Enterprise Christmas Market on Thursday, 5th December 2024, from 3 pm to 8 pm at 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast.

This unique event offers an unmissable chance to support local social enterprises making a real difference in our communities. Featuring stalls showcasing everything from handcrafted gifts to delicious treats and eco-friendly products, the market promises something for everyone—all with the added bonus of supporting a good cause.

Why Attend?

When you shop at the Social Enterprise Christmas Market, your purchases go beyond the festive season. Every item you buy directly contributes to tackling social and environmental challenges right here in Northern Ireland. It’s a fantastic way to align your holiday shopping with your values while discovering unique, high-quality products.

Event Highlights:

• Shop with Purpose: Explore a variety of stalls featuring products from innovative local social enterprises such as Madlug, Bolster, TedTanic, Orchardville, Fringe Coffee and more!
• Festive Entertainment: Enjoy a performance from enthusiastic ukulele-ists, the ‘Ukulele Rockstars’ playing everything from Johnny Cash to Guns N Roses. Includes a pop-up performance from Bootleg!
• Santa’s Post Office: Bring your little ones along, where they can enjoy arts and crafts, and design a special letter to Santa.
• Make a Difference: Learn about the inspiring stories behind each social enterprise and how your support helps them continue their impactful work.

Colin Jess, CEO of Social Enterprise Northern Ireland, shares:

“This Christmas, we’re encouraging everyone to think about the impact of their spending. By supporting the Social Enterprise Christmas Market, you’re not just buying a gift—you’re helping to create positive change in our communities. It’s a powerful way to celebrate the spirit of the season.”

Join Us

Bring your family, friends, and festive spirit to 2 Royal Avenue this December and experience a market like no other. Let’s make this Christmas meaningful by supporting the incredible social enterprises shaping Northern Ireland’s future.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, 5th December 2024
• Time: 3 – 8pm
• Venue: 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast

#BuySocial this Christmas: find the perfect gift for a loved one this Christmas, or treat your staff to something meaningful, view the #BuySociual Christmas 2024 catalogue on the Social Enterprise NI website and socials.

Building new connections between established Social Enterprises, around the shared social impact challenges faced, is the focus of an innovative new partnership programme that is being led by Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland (SERI) and Social Enterprise Northern Ireland (SENI).

The DISCOVERY Programme is a new collaborative two-year programme, developed by SERI and SENI, two organisations that represent the interests of communities that operate Social Enterprises north and south.

The innovative idea is being funded by the International Fund for Ireland, under its Communities in Partnership funding Programme, which supports meaningful cross-border partnerships, including ideas that create the conditions for the development of social enterprise and innovation.

The DISCOVERY Programme aims to connect and to support the leaders of Social Enterprises, as the key drivers of social impact and good community relations work north and south, the people who provide essential community services and are the backbone of communities on each side of the border. The collaboration to deliver the programme is the first step in a new partnership between SERI and SENI, who have worked together, to design the programme, working in the collective and best interests of the social enterprise sector.

Speaking at the launch event, Paddy Harte, Chair of the International Fund for Ireland said;

“We know that Social Enterprises are playing an increasingly important role contributing to the economic and social landscape.  They operate much needed facilities, providing services, creating employment, working within disadvantaged communities and adding value to all aspects of community life.

 

“This IFI funding will provide the building blocks to help Social Enterprises manage and navigate the challenges around financial sustainability and help develop long-term viable social businesses that will benefit communities.

“The DISCOVERY Programme will establish a shared vision to unite communities rather than divide, working with Social Enterprises who are facing similar challenges and ultimately play an important role in building long-term cross-border connections.”

As Social Enterprises grow and develop over time, expanding their social impact, community leaders can find themselves running quite complex operations, similar to businesses, but where all surplus or profit generated is reinvested into the community. Over time, the operators of Social Enterprises can encounter a whole different set of challenges from those when they first came together as a committee to start up their community group. Just like businesses that operate in the private sector, this can require a complete different set of management tools, skills and techniques to sustain and grow the social enterprise.  The DISCOVERY programme is about understanding this challenge and working in support of communities over the course of the next two years to address it.

Speaking at the launch of the DISCOVERY programme, John Logue CEO of Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland said;

“We are excited to launch the new DISCOVERY programme and to work in partnership with Social Enterprise Northern Ireland. Both of our organisations are working separately every day, each side of the border, in the best interests of our community of members, to develop policy, to advocate for much needed funding, and to connect with Government and Political Leaders to raise awareness of each Social Enterprises work, their funding and development needs.  Through the DISCOVERY programme, our motivation is really to practically support the operators of social enterprises, to help them to apply new digital tools, to enhance their financial management expertise, to help to grow and manage income, and to optimise and control costs. Theres also a great learning opportunity from the cross-border collaboration and that’s what we aim to facilitate, and that’s what the programmes about.”

The DISCOVERY programme will build new connections with social enterprises operating in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland. 24 social enterprises are taking part in the programme pilot and will benefit from an introduction to new skills and digital management tools, mentorship, training, a series of residentials designed around the sustainability theme, and from cross border exchanges as well as different conference events. At the same time, the partners will be working on behalf of the social enterprise sector, to further build awareness of the significant social impact work that social enterprises do, and to advance and align social policy that’s in the interests of all social enterprise operators.

Colin Jess, CEO of Social Enterprise Northern Ireland (SENI) added

“We are already entrusted by the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland to deliver the Social Economy Work Programme and the DISCOVERY programme adds great value to the existing work we do on behalf of our SENI members. The new partnership with SERI, is we believe a key innovation for the sector in that the challenge of financial sustainability, of trading, of growing, of building revenue, of employing and retaining staff, these are challenges that every social enterprise contends with every day. That’s on top of the regular day to day work of delivering services of significant impact and benefit to the community. What we hope to achieve through the programme, is to support social enterprises to work through some of the key sustainability challenges that they face, while at the same time building new relationships that inspire further innovations across the sector in Northern Ireland.”

Social Enterprises involved in Discovery are as follows:

The Northern Ireland Social Enterprise Awards 2024 took place on Friday 8th November honouring the region’s most impactful social enterprises. This prestigious event was held in partnership with Go Succeed and the Department for the Economy at the Crowne Plaza in Belfast.

Hosted by local radio presenter and ambassador for the Social Enterprise sector, Cate Conway, the black-tie evening welcomed around 600 attendees from the private, public, and social enterprise sectors.

These annual awards shine a spotlight on the talented individuals, teams, and organisations making a significant difference in Northern Ireland. Over the past 12 years, the awards have highlighted the remarkable achievements of social enterprises, underscoring their vital role in transforming communities, fostering inclusivity, and positively impacting the environment—all while maintaining profitability.

The night featured a diverse array of winners across 18 categories. Notably, The Workspace Group and Downpatrick and County Down Railway Association who were awarded ‘Social Enterprise of the Year’ in both the Over £500k and Up to £500k categories for their outstanding social contributions and collaboration with local businesses and communities.

Other accolades included Paula Jennings from Stepping Stones, who was honoured as Social Enterprise Leader of the Year, and Derry Credit Union, recognised as the Outstanding Staff Team of the Year. Patsy McShane took home the Lifetime Achievement Award on the night. A well-deserved accolade for a man who has dedicated his career and some 50 years of his life to the social enterprise, voluntary and community sectors and his dedication and commitment to the sector has been and continues to be second to none.

Colin Jess, CEO of Social Enterprise NI commented.

“Once again, the Social Enterprise NI Awards has delivered an evening profiling the best of what the social enterprise sector in NI can offer. The quality of entries this year has continued to impress with almost 600 guests enjoying an evening of networking and celebration of the individuals and organisations who continue to go the extra mile in delivering and supporting those at most need in our society through their business ethos of delivering real profit with purpose. It was truly inspirational to witness the impact that all finalists make daily in society and their input to the wider NI economy.

The Awards also generate increased awareness of the work of the social economy, and we are delighted that our recently launched Directory now makes it easier to contact these organisations, so what not find out for yourself and get in touch.

“Well done to all winners and shortlisted organisations. I would also like to thank all our sponsors, without whom the evening would not be possible.”

 

Economy Minister Conor Murphy said:

“I’m a great believer in the power of social enterprise. These awards recognise and celebrate the transformative impact of social enterprise, and I congratulate all the award winners, and everyone involved. I want to continue to build the strength of social enterprises here which is why my Department is working with people from the sector to co-design an action plan for the future.”

Headline sponsor, Go Succeed said:

“Go Succeed is proud to sponsor this year’s Social Enterprise NI Awards and it was an honour to spotlight social enterprises making a tangible difference in their communities.

“We were overwhelmed by the quality of the entries, people’s ideas, and their execution. We hope these awards not only recognise social enterprises already established, but act as inspiration for others to build their own.

“Go Succeed is here to support entrepreneurs whether they are just starting, growing, or scaling their social enterprises. The resources Go Succeed offers are a huge asset to business owners, and it is such a pleasure to be a small part of their success.

“Congratulations to all winners and finalists and we look forward to seeing your continued success.”

Individual category sponsors included Community Finance Ireland, Construction Futures, Department for the Economy, Edwards and Co, Evolv, Firmus Energy, Go Succeed, Halifax, Hays, H&J Martin, Housing Executive, Irish League of Credit Unions, Inspire, Kith and Kin Financial Services, Lockton, ProAptivity, Radius Housing, Transport Training Services, Ulster Bank and Viable.

For further information, go to www.socialenterpriseni.org.

Winners of 2024 Social Enterprise NI Awards:

Best New Start Up

• Winner: Arts Care

Community Wealth Building Award

• Winner: The Advantage Foundation

Rural Social Enterprise Award

• Winner: Tidal Toomebridge

Credit Union Award – Up to 25m Turnover

• Winner: Ormeau Credit Union

Credit Union Award – Over 25m Turnover

• Winner: Coalisland Credit Union
• Highly Commended: SAG Credit Union and CCU Credit Union (Clonard)

Co-Operative of the Year

• Winner: Lurgan Credit Union

Best Use of Social Media

• Winner: Madlug

Consumer-Facing Award (via public vote)

• Winner: Bolster Community

Social Impact Award

• Winner: The Advantage Foundation
• Highly Commended: Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Young Person of the Year

• Winner: Joey Crawford, Harry’s Place CIC
• Highly Commended: Katie Whiteside, Madlug

Emerging Leader of the Year

• Winner: Morgan Young, Downpatrick, and County Down Railway Association

Leader of the Year

• Winner: Paula Jennings, Stepping Stones

Council of the Year

• Winners: Belfast City Council and Mid and East Antrim Council

Social Value Partnership Award

• Winner: Heatherington Contractors and React Social
• Highly Commended: IncredABLE and ABC Council

Outstanding Team Award

• Winner: Derry Credit Union
• Highly Commended: Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Product Based Social Enterprise

• Winner: Madlug
• Highly Commended: Naturally North Coast & Glens

Social Enterprise of the Year, up to £500k

• Winner: Downpatrick and County Down Railway Association
• Highly Commended: Argyle Business Centre

Social Enterprise of the Year, over £500k

• Winner: The Workspace Group
• Highly Commended: GLL/Better

We are delighted to have Cycle Recycle, Newry, as our Social Enterprise of the Month, in October. We have created a case study on Cycle Recycle- it can be viewed here: Case Study for Cycle Recycle, Newry. For more information, or to sign up to become Social Enterprise of the Month please visit our previous article: Launching Social Enterprise of the Month – Social Enterprise NI

We are currently seeking suitable candidates for our panel of mentors for the Discovery Programme, a two year programme for social enterprises funded by the International Fund for Ireland, Communities in Partnership Programme and delivered by Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland (SERI) and Social Enterprise Northern Ireland (SENI).

Our mentors will support the social enterprises on issues related to financial sustainability. The pillars of the programme are as follows: (1) Digitalisation & Financial Management; (2) Income Generation & Revenue Growth; (3) Strategic Partnerships & Alliances; and (4) Cost Optimisation & Control

The programme will include one to one mentoring for 12 social enterprises from Northern Ireland and 12 from the Republic of Ireland.  Each social enterprise will receive three days one-to-one mentoring in the course of the two year project.

If you would like to be considered for our panel of mentors, please complete the following form: https://bit.ly/DiscoveryMentorPanelApplication

The closing date for applications is Friday October 25th, 2024. 

Mentors will be selected for the panel in November 2024.

DAERA has today launched the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme which will deliver £1.55million in capital grants to support rural micro businesses across Northern Ireland.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has officially launched the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme, offering £1.55 million in capital grants to support rural micro businesses across Northern Ireland. This initiative aims to provide much-needed financial assistance to help small rural businesses enhance sustainability, unlock growth opportunities, and create new employment, ultimately strengthening the rural economy.

The grant scheme, which is funded through DAERA’s ‘Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation’ (TRPSI) Programme, is delivered in collaboration with local Councils. Eligible rural businesses can apply for 50% funding, up to a maximum of £4,999, for the purchase of capital equipment that will drive business improvements or stimulate expansion.

Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, MLA, highlighted the significance of this funding:
“I am pleased to announce the opening of the £1.55 million Rural Business Development Grant Scheme. This fund is critical to building strong, sustainable, and diverse rural communities and aligns with the Programme for Government priority of fostering a globally competitive and sustainable economy, while addressing regional balance.”

Minister Muir also urged eligible businesses to apply swiftly:
“Rural businesses are the backbone of our rural communities. I encourage all eligible businesses to apply as soon as possible and take advantage of the opportunities this scheme offers to boost their potential and foster business growth during these challenging times.”

The scheme is now open for applications from 9:00 AM on 16 October 2024 and will close at 12 noon on 8 November 2024. Applications can only be submitted online.

Key Details:
Funding Available: Up to 50% capital assistance for eligible equipment, capped at £4,999.
Eligibility: Rural micro businesses (less than 10 full-time equivalent employees) in Northern Ireland.
Application Window: Open from 16 October 2024 at 9:00 AM, closing 8 November 2024 at 12 noon.
This funding is a continuation of the success seen in previous years. Since its introduction in 2019, the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme has already provided over £5.07 million in grant aid, supporting 1,547 rural micro-businesses across Northern Ireland.

For more information or to apply, please visit the DAERA website. https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/services/rural-business-development-grant-scheme-rbdgs