Growing Good: Social Enterprise at the Heart of Local Food Systems launches the 2026 Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards

Dublin City Council and partners announced the launch of the 2026 Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards at the Growing Good: Social Enterprise at the Heart of Local Food Systems event in the Wood Quay Venue yesterday evening. The launch was a SoCircular event which took place as part of the city’s Local Enterprise Week programme. SoCircular is an initiative that celebrates, connects and accelerates the social and circular economy.

Building on a decade of impact, the Awards continue to recognise and accelerate social enterprises that are tackling local challenges and delivering public good across the capital. In 2025, eight outstanding organisations shared €60,000 in funding alongside tailored business supports, underlining the City’s commitment to inclusive, sustainable enterprise.

The Awards are delivered in partnership by Inner City Enterprise (ICE) and Dublin City Council and are made possible through the support of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

Speaking ahead of the launch, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam, said:
“Dublin’s social enterprises show us the uplifting kind of enterprise that lifts everyone. They put people and planet at the centre, and they turn daily pressures into practical progress with imagination, care and grit. They create pathways into work, build skills and confidence, restore dignity, and strengthen the bonds that make a city feel like home. That is why I am proud we celebrate this leadership through the Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards, and I encourage every social enterprise across Dublin to apply this year and grow their impact even further.”

The launch event spotlighted the role social enterprises play in strengthening local food systems from community growing and food education to redistribution and circular solutions to food waste and featured contributions from a range of Dublin-based social enterprises and previous Awards winners. The event formed part of SoCircular, Dublin City Council’s platform celebrating the social and circular economy and sits within the official Local Enterprise Week 2026 programme.

Ross Curley, Head of Economic Development, Dublin City Council, added:
“Every day social enterprises are delivering measurable social and environmental impact, demonstrating how an inclusive economy can look. The Awards are an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the hugely valuable work that social enterprises contribute to across the city.”

Social enterprises working at any stage of development are encouraged to apply for the 2026 Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards. The programme typically provides a mix of financial support and wrap‑around mentoring to help awardees grow their impact citywide. Applications for this year’s programme are now open. More information on how to apply is available at https://innercityenterprise.com/dublin-city-social-enterprise-awards-2026/

ENDS