New initiatives to support social enterprises across Northern Ireland
Social Enterprise Northern Ireland launches programmes to support leadership development and sector growth.
Social Enterprise Northern Ireland launches programmes to support leadership development and sector growth
Social Enterprise Northern Ireland (SE NI) has expanded its leadership development offer to strengthen organisational resilience and long‑term sustainability.
Leadership Training Programme
The Leadership Training Programme supports leaders through a structured learning experience delivered by facilitators from the Social Enterprise Academy Scotland.
The programme focuses on the following areas:
- developing enterprising and commercially focused mindsets
- financial sustainability
- resilient leadership
The programme combines in‑person and online learning with peer networking.
How to apply
Registration is now open for the next two cohorts of the Leadership Training Programme:
- Cohort 2 begins in April 2026
- Cohort 3 begins in February 2027
Social Enterprise Grant Fund
In addition to the leadership programme, TDS Northern Ireland will allocate £15,000 in grant funding to support social enterprises in Northern Ireland.
These grants are intended to assist recipients in:
- scaling their impact
- investing in innovation
- building long-term sustainability
How to apply
The grants will be distributed through regional events following a Dragons’ Den-style format to ensure accessibility across Northern Ireland.
For more information, contact Amanda Johnston, SE NI’s Head of Business Development, at amanda@socialenterpriseni.org.
AI Academy in partnership with NI Chamber
SE NI is offering fully funded places for 15 social enterprises to participate in a bespoke AI Academy delivered by NI Chamber.
The programme provides a 12-month licence for an AI learning platform tailored to job roles and designed to support efficiency improvements.
Register your interest in the AI Academy.
Marketing support opportunity
SE NI has launched an expression of interest for a marketing support opportunity funded by the Halifax Foundation.
Responses will be used to support shortlisting, and funding is available for 12 organisations.
First published 30 June 2025.