13th March 2025
Girdwood Community Hub, Girdwood Avenue, Belfast
9.00am - 2.00pm
The Annual Social Enterprise Conference will bring together social entrepreneurs, business leaders, policymakers, and local council representatives to explore the opportunities and challenges of the social enterprise business model.
This half-day event will feature:
– Inspiring keynote speakers
– Updates on relevant policy and legislative changes
– Practical insights into how social enterprises can thrive in Northern Ireland
– Where you can get support from as a social enterprise
– How private sector can create meaningful social impact by partnering with social enterprises.
Delegates will have the chance to connect with peers, local councils, and other businesses in the marketplace and through a B2B service designed to foster meaningful partnerships. Whether you’re an established social enterprise or just starting out, this event is an unmissable opportunity to learn, connect, and grow.
Agenda
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Registration & Networking Breakfast
- Start your day with a light breakfast and networking opportunities around our Social Enterprise Marketplace. Meet other delegates, speakers, and exhibitors before the conference begins.
9:00 AM – 9:10 AM | Welcome & Opening Remarks – Colin Jess, CEO, SENI
- Our CEO gives an outline of the agenda including the event’s goals and welcoming everyone who is attending.
9:10 AM – 9:15 AM | Importance of Social Enterprise Sector – Minister for the Economy
- Hear directly from the Minister on why Social Enterprise is such an important part of his Four Themes for his Department and how the Social Enterprise Action Plan will link in with the wider Economic Strategy and the Programme for Government during the rest of the mandate.
9:15 AM – 10:00 AM | Keynote Speaker 1:
Scaling for Impact: Leveraging the Social Enterprise Business Model for Growth
- Our speaker shares their journey, insights, and strategies on how to scale a social enterprise while maintaining its social mission.
10:00 AM – 10:20 AM | Panel Discussion
The Role of Public Sector Support for Social Enterprises
- Representatives from local councils and Invest NI will outline their new Social Enterprise Champions and discuss the support offerings available to social enterprises, including advice, and collaboration opportunities.
10.20 AM – 10.40 PM | Key Note Speaker:
Policy & Legislation
- Gives an overview of any changes to Social Value scoring and outlines examples of best practice of social value partnerships/social value impact as a direct result of a contract awarded following the introduction of PPN01/21 (from its recent review of the implementation of the policy note during 2024)
10:45 AM – 11:15 AM | Coffee Break & Networking
Take a break to network with other attendees, visit the marketplace, and learn about the services offered by local councils and partner organisations.
11.15 PM – 12:00 PM | Breakout Information Sessions
- Breakout 1 – Marketing Masterclass
- Breakout 2 – Investment Readiness
- Breakout 3 – Access to Finance/Funding
- Breakout 4 – Understanding Social Value
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM | B2B Marketplace Networking
- Delegates will have the opportunity to connect with other social enterprises, private sector businesses, and organisations in a structured B2B matchmaking session. The marketplace will also be open for exploration.
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM | Keynote Speaker: Social Value: The Power of the Social Enterprise Difference in Public Contracts
- This speaker is not to be missed, name to be released in January 2025
1.00 PM – 1.15 PM | Closing Remarks & Future Outlook
- Summing up the key takeaways from the conference, next steps for social enterprises, and a look ahead to future support and networking opportunities.
1.15 PM – 2.00 PM | Lunch and Networking
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More info:
If you would like any more information on this event please email catherine@socialenterpriseni.org
Register to attend:
To register, please click the BOOK NOW button below and complete the form.
We will be in contact to confirm attendance.