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Paddy Leonard, 25 May
The Northern Ireland Social Enterprise Awards, in partnership with Go
Succeed, are back for 2024.
The annual awards led by Social Enterprise Northern Ireland recognise
and celebrate the remarkable achievements and positive contributions of
social enterprises across the region.
Applications are now open and organisations are encouraged to enter
before the deadline of midnight, Sunday 7th of July, to showcase their
impact and key achievements in the last year.
The prestigious Awards shine a light on the talented individuals, teams
and organisations who are making a real difference, changing lives,
building inclusive communities, and making a positive impact in
society, all while making a profit through their respective business.
With a wide range of Award categories, they offer the opportunity to
highlight success, gain local recognition and enhance credibility.
The 2024 headline Awards sponsor Go Succeed is the new go-to business
support service that helps local entrepreneurs and businesses including
Social Enterprises across Northern Ireland to start, grow and scale
their businesses.
Delivered by Northern Ireland's eleven local councils, Go Succeed
offers a huge range of support, from masterclasses, online workshops
and help accessing grant funding to one-to-one mentoring, peer
networking and beyond, all free of charge.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane, Councillor Patricia Logue, said: “Go
Succeed is delighted to partner with Social Enterprise NI for their
annual sectoral Awards this year.
“All eleven Councils have worked in collaboration with SENI over many
years to support the growth of the Social Enterprise sector and this
new partnership further strengthens that relationship.
“Through Go Succeed, we are privileged to work with a range of Social
Enterprises to take their organisation to the next level and can’t wait
to hear from others as we aim to help entrepreneurs and businesses
across all sectors realise their ambitions.”
Colin Jess, Chief Executive of Social Enterprise Northern Ireland said:
“Our annual awards are a fantastic celebration of the impact and
innovation of the social enterprise sector in Northern Ireland.
“Submit your application now for the chance to recognise the incredible
hard work and contributions of your team.
“Last year we had record-breaking entries and look forward to another
successful year.”
“Entrants will complete applications using an online portal, allowing
them to edit, amend and review their entry before submitting. Entry is
free and open to all social enterprises operating in Northern Ireland.”
Economy Minister Deirdre Hargey added: “The innovation and vibrancy of
the social enterprise sector is one that should excite and inspire us.
It is a sector I am committed to and focused on.
“Indeed, I am pleased that my Department has recently awarded SENI a
grant agreement to partner with us to deliver a renewed and enhanced
Social Enterprise Work Programme, including an increase of more than
50% in grant funding for the current financial year, reflecting the
value and importance of the sector.
“The Northern Ireland Social Enterprise Awards are an important
opportunity to showcase and recognise the quality of talent in this
diverse sector and I encourage social enterprises across the north to
submit an entry.”
Winner of Social Enterprise of the Year last year, John McLean OBE,
Chief Executive of Radius Housing said: “Winning this key accolade
provided invaluable recognition of our team’s hard work, not just
locally but nationally. We are on an exciting journey to enhance our
service offering and to be as sustainable as possible. I strongly
encourage everyone to enter and maximise this opportunity to gain
recognition and credibility.”
Winners of the 2024 Awards will be announced at a gala ceremony on
Friday 8th November compered by radio presenter and Social Enterprise
Northern Ireland ambassador Cate Conway. Guests should expect an
entertaining evening, filled with inspiration and excitement.
Visit here to enter the Awards.
The 2024 Award Categories are Best New Start Up, Best Use of Social
Media, Community Wealth Building, Consumer Facing Social Enterprise,
Cooperative, Council, Credit Union - Assets up to £25 million, Credit
Union - Assets over £25 million, Emerging Leader, Leader of the Year,
Outstanding Team Award, Product Based Social Enterprise (New), Rural
Social Enterprise of the Year, Social Enterprise of the Year - up to
500k turnover, Social Enterprise of the Year - over 500k
turnover, Social Impact Award, Social Value Partnership, Young Person.