Applications for the Social Enterprise NI awards are now open!
Last week we launched our annual SENI awards which will finally be held in person at The Crown Plaza, Belfast on Friday 14th October - we can't wait to welcome both familiar and new friendly faces after what seems an eternity! We have been incredibly overwhelmed by the interest in the awards so far, and want to thank those that have already downloaded or submitted an application.
The awards night is an extremely important event within the social sector as a way to recognise, commend and promote the individuals and businesses who are creating change and making positive impact for the better within Northern Ireland and beyond.
With just under a month to go until the application deadline on Friday 8th July 2022, we have summarised the 14 award categories up for grabs below.
NI Social Enterprise of the Year (x2)
This year we will be awarding two winners for this category, a larger organisation with more than 20 employees and a smaller organisation with less than 20 employees. This award is aimed at recognising a social enterprise that has clear vision and strategic direction for their organisation, They have clearly evidenced social, environmental or community impact and operate sustainably in terms of profit and growth.
Cooperative & Credit Union Award –Community Impact - New!
Open to Cooperatives and Credit Unions that can truly demonstrate and communicate their impact with their stakeholders and members.
Rural Social Enterprise - New!
Designed for any social enterprise based in a rural area of Northern Ireland who can demonstrate and communicate their impact with their stakeholders and has a clearly defined business model and evidence of social enterprise trading activity.
Best Use of Digital Marketing and/or Social Media - New!
A social enterprise that can demonstrate how the use of their Digital Marketing has increased the visibility and impact of their organisation.
Social Enterprise Leader
To champion the success of our entrepreneurs and leaders. This award will be presented to an individual within the world of social enterprise who has created significant, positive change for society by demonstrating socially entrepreneurial behaviours, beyond the day-to-day expectations of any job they may have, to tackle any social and/or environmental issue. They have helped strengthen the voice, raise the debate, or shine a spotlight on what the social enterprise movement is, achieving either nationally, within a particular sector or industry, or within a particular sphere of influence.
Green or Circular Economy
A social enterprise that operates in the green or circular economy sector and can demonstrate excellence in their field.
Health and Wellbeing
A social enterprise that seeks to address the health and well being agenda via its business delivery model.
Best New Start Up
A social enterprise that has been operating for less than 2 years as of April 2022 that shows potential for business growth in their chosen area of expertise in the sector.
Consumer Facing Social Enterprise
A social enterprise that produces or delivers a retail product or service, whose brand is recognisable by consumers.
Emerging Leader
To champion the success of our senior management individuals who are showing potential to be future leaders in the sector. This award will be presented to an individual within the world of social enterprise who aspires to be a future CEO within the sector and who is currently driving forward the ethos of their organisation.
Young Person
Open to an individual aged 30 or under, involved with a social enterprise as either an employee, volunteer or a board member who can clearly demonstrate their commitment to the ethos of social enterprise as well as represent excellence in their field of work.
Social Partnership/Market Building
This award is open to any partnership between social enterprise, public sector body e.g. council or private sector organisation that has made efforts within its own organisation and remit to create more opportunities for the growth of the social enterprise sector.
Outstanding Team(Employees/Volunteers or Board Members) - New!
This category acknowledges those teams who have demonstrated the strength, passion and resilience which is so characteristic of the social enterprise sector. Organisations should be able to evidence how this group of people, working together, have gone above and beyond in their role, leading to enhanced quality of products or services, greater social impact and/ or overall business growth.
Council
Designed for Local Councils who can truly demonstrate their commitment to the promotion, support and growth of the Social Enterprise sector and communicate their impact within their geographical area.
Don't miss out on your opportunity to be recognised within the sector - for full award criteria and to download an application pack, click here.
For any other enquiries, please contact Amanda - amanda@socialenterpriseni.org.