€60,000 in Funding Awarded to Eight Outstanding Social Enterprises in Dublin

Dublin City proudly celebrated the very best of local innovation and social impact today at the 2025 Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards, held at the historic Mansion House in Dublin 2.

Eight outstanding social enterprises were recognised for their significant contributions to inclusive and sustainable development across the city. In total, €60,000 in funding was awarded, along with tailored supports to help scale their work and deepen their impact.  Each awardee also received a bespoke, handcrafted trophy made by The Rediscovery Centre — a previous award-winning social enterprise.

Now in its 11th year, the Awards shine a spotlight on the vital role social enterprises play in strengthening Dublin’s social fabric. These organisations tackle complex societal challenges and drive positive change across communities — always with a clear focus on delivering public good. For them, impact comes before profit.

Opening the event, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam, celebrated the resilience and imagination of this year’s winners:

“It takes courage to start any business, but even greater courage to start one that puts people before profit. Dublin’s social enterprises rise to that challenge time and again — creating dignity, belonging and opportunity, and proving that commerce and conscience are not opposites but partners. They are not a sidenote in our economy; they are a cornerstone of resilient, sustainable communities. Our awardees today are the changemakers reshaping Dublin into a city that is fairer, greener and more inclusive.”

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Jerry Buttimer T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, underlined the importance of Government support:

“Social enterprise represents one of the most powerful tools we have for building stronger, fairer communities. Across Dublin and beyond, it’s creating lasting change through opportunity, innovation and purpose. These awards reaffirm the Government’s commitment to backing this impact – and to growing a more inclusive economy for all.”

The awards were hosted by Ross Curley, Head of Economic Development of Dublin City Council and Chair of the Dublin City Social Enterprise Committee, who acknowledged the vital contribution of this year’s winners:

“Social Enterprise is more than a business model – it’s a statement of belief in people, place and potential. In communities across Ireland, it is opening doors, creating chances and delivering change.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor: 

Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards 2025 - 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.  

The Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards are coordinated by a partnership of key city stakeholders including Dublin City Council, Department of Rural and Community Development, Inner City Enterprise, Dublin City Social Enterprise Committee, and Local Enterprise Office Dublin City.

Now in their 11th year, the awards provide financial and developmental support to social enterprises in Dublin City, while raising public awareness of the sector’s critical role in building stronger communities and promoting inclusive economic growth.

Video interviews of previous year's awardees are available on the LEO Dublin City YouTube channel - Social Enterprise playlist: here