An enterprising way to help your community

Funded by the Renewing Communities Action Plan, and administered by Invest Northern Ireland, the Enterprising Communities programme seeks to assist groups and individuals in North, South and East Belfast, Greater Shankill and Rathcoole with pre-enterprise support to explore and develop opportunities to create social enterprises.

Rachel Marshall, Social Economy Belfast Programme Manager said

The new programme will be delivered by the Social Economy Belfast consortium of partners, including:

• Work West,
• East Belfast Enterprise,
• South Belfast Partnership and
• Northern Ireland Council for Ethnic Minorities.

Who can benefit?

The types of groups who could benefit from Enterprising Communities include:

• church groups/ faith based groups,
• men’s groups,
• arts organisations,
• sports clubs,
• charitable organisations,
• older people’s clubs,
• social clubs,
• cultural events organisers,
• minority ethnic groups,
• disability organisations,
• restorative justice groups and
• youth groups/clubs.

However, this list is not exhaustive. If you think that your group could benefit get in touch with us and we'll be able to talk you through the scheme in more detail.

Who should apply?

The programme will be relevant to those considering how to be sustainable and generate more income for themselves whilst continuing to serve their communities in the current climate of reducing grants. Groups do not need to have specific business ideas in mind to take part on in the Enterprising Communities programme.

What activities will be provided?

A range of support activities will be provided, including:

• workshops,
• masterclasses,
• business mentoring and
• best practice exchange.