€60,000 fund presented to awardee social enterprises in Dublin

€60,000 fund presented to awardee social enterprises in Dublin

Six local social enterprises have received funding at the Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards 2023 in the historic Oak Room of the Mansion House. These social enterprises are actively working to address important issues and achieve a social, societal or environmental impact, rather than maximising profits for owners or shareholders. The issues that the awardee social enterprises are seeking to address include Sustainability, Unemployment, Low Education Attainment, Addiction, Health, Mental Health, Homelessness, Ex-Offender Reintegration and more. As well as addressing these issues, the awardees provide practical help to people who are disadvantaged, distanced from the labour market or distanced from inclusion in their local communities.

Speaking at the awards, the Lord Mayor of Daithí de Róiste stated:

“The six social enterprises represented here this afternoon have embarked down this road less travelled. Current conditions have made it increasingly difficult to operate as an enterprise; the cost of living crisis, financial instability at home and abroad, and the ever-present threat of climate change.  Despite this, these social enterprises have continued to deliver services and supports for individuals and communities. As each of these social enterprises uses the award funding and supports to develop in the future, I greatly look forward to hearing about them growing and increasing their impact.”

The six awardees received funding from a total pool of €60,000 along with various supports which will assist their social enterprises to develop and achieve a greater impact among the individuals and communities that they serve and assist in Dublin city. They also received a bespoke award trophy which was handmade by The Yard at Solas Project, a local social enterprise and previous awardee. 

Minister Joe O’Brien, Minister of State with the Department of Rural and Community Development, gave the keynote address at the event: 

“Social enterprises and the work they deliver throughout Dublin and indeed, Ireland are so important. They are tangibly helping to address key issues regarding our economy, society and environment while providing employment, opportunities and positive impact.”

Ross Curley, Chair of the Dublin City Social Enterprise Committee and Head of Economic Development, Dublin City Council, congratulated the awardees and highlighted the important contribution that they make:

“The annual Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards is a wonderful event where we recognise the significant impact that social entrepreneurship creates. This year’s awardees clearly highlight how social enterprise can lead positive change in a sustainable way, showing the possibilities when profit and purpose work hand in hand.”

Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards 2023 - Awardees: 

A short video of each social enterprise highlighting their role and operations in addressing a social need will be available on LEO Dublin City’s Youtube Channel:    

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChD5pnX_Y9KBb3afGrZibRw?view_as=subscriber