Department launches open call to support social enterprise growth
Date published:
An open call for proposals to support the continued growth of Northern Ireland's social enterprise sector has been launched by the Department for the Economy.
Organisations are invited to apply to deliver support that will help social enterprises develop leadership skills, increase investment readiness, access new markets and unlock growth opportunities.
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said:
"Social enterprises make a unique and valuable contribution to our economy and communities. They create jobs, address social challenges and reinvest in the people and places they serve.
"This open call will lead to helping social enterprises build their capacity, strengthen leadership and access the support they need to grow and thrive.
"By investing in the development of the sector, we are supporting organisations that deliver real social and economic benefits across our communities. I encourage organisations with the expertise and experience to come forward and help us realise this ambition."
Applications are invited from organisations interested in delivering activity in one or more of the following areas - sector representation; and support for themes identified within the Social Enterprise Action Plan.
Organisations may apply to deliver activity across Northern Ireland or within specific geographic areas. Applications can be submitted by individual organisations or through consortium arrangements.
Full details on eligibility, assessment criteria and application requirements are available in the Information Pack on the Department for the Economy website.
Applications should be submitted to socialeconomy@economy-ni.gov.uk by 30 October 2026.
Notes to editors:
- The Social Enterprise Support Programme supports the implementation of priorities identified through the Social Enterprise Action Plan and aims to strengthen the capacity, sustainability and growth of the social enterprise sector across Northern Ireland.
- The Social Enterprise Action Plan can be found at Social Enterprise Action Plan | Department for the Economy
- For media enquiries contact the Department for the Economy Press Office
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
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