On Thursday 8th February 2024, the historic Templemore Baths in East Belfast became a vibrant hub of inspiration as social entrepreneurs, community leaders, and changemakers gathered for the On Purpose Conference – a morning dedicated to celebrating and showcasing the power of social business. Hosted by SSEI and event partners, the event attracted a diverse and engaged audience, all eager to explore how enterprise can drive social and environmental change. The conference welcomed a dynamic line-up of speakers, each bringing a unique perspective on what it means to lead with purpose:

• Rónán Ó Dálaigh, Founder & CEO of Thriftify, opened eyes to the future of sustainable shopping. Thriftify’s mission to build the engine for the circular economy has already reshaped how charity shops sell and consumers buy across Ireland and the UK. Rónán’s vision and rapid scaling journey offered a masterclass in tech-driven social impact.

• Alice Thompson, internationally renowned speaker and co-founder of Social Bite, delivered an unforgettable talk. From feeding and employing the homeless through a chain of cafés to leading a global movement with The World’s Big Sleepout, Alice’s story exemplifies compassion, courage, and transformational leadership.

• Pamela Hughes, Co-founder of Kids Together Belfast, shared a powerful story of grassroots innovation. What began as a local effort by two parents has grown into a social enterprise employing over 50 people and delivering vital services to families and young people with complex needs. Pamela’s advocacy for policy change and community-led solutions struck a deep chord.

• Phelim Sharvin, Head of Community Finance Ireland and a sustainable finance expert, rounded out the morning by highlighting how strategic investment can unlock real change. With over £80 million committed to the sector, Phelim’s insights into impact funding and sector resilience were both practical and empowering.

As well as powerful talks, On Purpose 2024 offered an opportunity for real connection. Attendees engaged in meaningful conversations, shared their challenges and wins, and explored opportunities to collaborate across sectors.

Delivered by SSEI with the generous support of event partners, the event was a testament to the collaborative spirit of the social business sector. Attendees filled the room with enthusiasm and curiosity, united by a shared desire to explore the power of business as a force for good.

A Line-Up of Impactful Leaders
The morning featured an inspiring keynote from Michael Kelly, the award-winning founder and CEO of GIY (Grow It Yourself). Michael’s story, from a chance encounter with a supermarket garlic bulb, to creating an international movement rooted in food empathy and sustainability, struck a powerful chord with the audience. His insights into leading a purpose-driven enterprise, combined with reflections on his media work and authorship, sparked meaningful discussion.

Attendees also heard from local social business leaders:

Chara Clarke, Founder and CEO of GLOW (Giving Life Opportunities to Women), shared her personal journey of empowering women and girls through confidence-building programmes and leadership development.

Jacqui Pope, Head of Service at GLL (Better), brought a dynamic perspective from the world of sport and wellbeing. An award-winning social enterprise leader and international athlete, Jacqui highlighted the scale and reach of GLL’s work and the transformative potential of social businesses in public service delivery.

A Morning of Connection and Purpose
Beyond the presentations, On Purpose was an invaluable networking opportunity. Attendees connected with peers, explored collaborative ideas, and left feeling energised by the stories of impact, resilience, and innovation shared on stage.

As one delegate commented, “It’s events like this that remind us why we do what we do – and why purpose must be at the heart of the business conversation.”

Overall Objective:

To develop individuals and organisation with the capabilities to commence, sustain or grow social enterprises / social businesses.

We are delighted to launch the 2021/22 TRANSFORM Social Enterprise Development Programme leading to the award of the Advanced Diploma in Social Enterprise. The Advanced Diploma is fully accredited by Ulster University and has been the sole academic programme in the social enterprise sector since 2005.

Applications are welcomed from those directly involved in social or community enterprise activities or from those involved in providing support for social enterprise development. We will also consider individuals who are self-employed or unemployed, who wish to pursue social enterprise activities.

Now in its third year, the TRANSFORM programme is aimed at individuals in existing community organisations, social enterprises and charities who are trying to diversify their income streams and those who have an idea for starting or growing a social enterprise. It has undergone extensive remodelling to reflect the changing needs and emerging trends within the social economy sector as well as recognising the key drivers for social enterprise development. The programme includes:

• Study Visits and Social Enterprise Masterclasses

• Guest Lectures from Business Leaders and Social Innovators

If you have any queries about the content of the programme, contact Steve Pollard at Ulster University Business School sf.pollard@ulster.ac.uk or Bill Manson bill.manson@podiem.com  at SSEI operations partner, Podiem.

You only need to complete one application form to apply for both a bursary and for the programme itself.

There are two ways to apply for the bursary.

1. Online: Click here to apply online and follow the instructions provided
2. Offline: Click here to download an application form which can then be manually filled in and emailed to  SocialEconomy@podiem.com

Closing date for applications is: Wednesday 4th November 2021 with interviews scheduled prior to 2nd December 2021.

Programme managed by: Podiem Ltd – official partner of SSEIBursaries provided by Flax Trust are awarded through SSEI

Almost 50 local social entrpreneurs were at The Braid, Ballymena on Friday 24^th November to hear from Brian Tannerhill MBE, one of the most successful social entrepreneurs in the UK. The event, which explored the concept and potential of ‘community-owned business’, was created by the School for Social Enterprises in Ireland (SSEI) and hosted by Mid & East Antrim Borough Council.

Mr Tannerhill, who founded McSence, an award-winning community-owned business which created employment and regeneration in Mayfield near Edinburgh, shared how he and his team were able to grow the McSence group to 6 working social enterprises with a total turnover of £1million and profits in excess of £200,000. By the time of his retirement the group had been named UK Social Enterprise of the Year, held assets of £10 million, employed some 300 people and returned countless millions to the community in the form of wages.

Within his address, Brian outlined a step-by-step guide to starting a modern growing social enterprise. His suggested process included Dreaming, Engaging Trusted Associates to form a Steering Group, create a Community Plan and the pursuit of added-value diversification.

Also speaking at the event was Ballymena’s own Billy Millar, Treasurer of Slemish n tha Braid Credit Union, who has played a pivotal role in its continued growth and success. The achievements of the Credit Union were formally recognised recently when it won ‘Social Enterprise of the Year’ at the Ballymena Chamber of Commerce Awards. Within his presentation, Billy shared the story of how the ongoing renovation of the Raglan Building is aiming to mirror the McSence model and have a similarly positive and regenerative impact on the local community.

The event was opened by Deputy Mayor Cllr Cheryl Johnson who explained “Social Enterprise plays a vital role in our society and in Mid and East Antrim in particular. One of Council’s priorities is building stronger, safe and healthy communities. We believe that work carried out by groups such as Raglan’s will really help to encourage and reinforce these efforts.”

The masterclass hosted as part of the event by Professor Ken O’Neill from the SSEI and supported by The Flax Trust, the Raglan Community Development Renovation Society and the Ulster University, received outstanding feedback. Support created by the SSSEI attracted a full house at The Braid Studio in Ballymena.

The 2018 social enterprise business planning programme is now open – leading to the award of the Advanced Diploma in Social Enterprise – Ireland’s leading qualification in social enterprise development.

The programme includes

• Six 2-day Modules over a 12 month period
• Six ½ Day Peer Learning Groups
• Study Visits & Social Enterprise Masterclasses
• Guest Lectures from Business Leaders and Social Innovators
• Full accreditation by the Ulster Business School, Ulster University, Jordanstown

For more information and to download an application form click here.

Closing date for applications is Wednesday 29th November 2017.