News & Views

Since the launch of iCommunity’s shared‑island vision in late 2022, the social enterprise ambitions articulated are steadily being realized. The Discovery Programme, a two‑year partnership between Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland (SERI) and Social Enterprise Northern Ireland (SENI), funded by the International Fund for Ireland (IFI), is delivering tangible progress in cross‑border capacity building, collaboration, and sustainability. 

iCommunity’s A Vision for Addressing Challenges on our Shared Island emphasized that: 

“Social enterprises provide opportunities for the provision of services and employment to support disadvantaged communities and address issues such as food poverty, social housing, or environmental issues.” 

The report also identified a need to raise awareness of the sector and to strengthen all‑island networks: 

“There is still work to be done … in raising awareness of its potential across the island … through public sector interventions … and through networks within the sector itself.”  

This is precisely the space the Discovery Programme is operating within — creating the connections, supports, and shared learning. 

Discovery Programme: Building Capacity and Connection 

The interim evaluation of the Discovery Programme demonstrates meaningful impact: social enterprises on both sides of the border are sharing experience, building skills, and co‑developing strategies for greater financial resilience. Key features of the programme include: 

• Training and Mentorship: workshops on digitization, financial management, and business planning are helping organizations professionalize their systems and diversify income. 

• Peer Networking: residential exchanges, site visits, and cross-border meetings, leaders are forming trusting relationships and discovering common ground. 

• Joint Projects: enterprises are already collaborating on initiatives relating to youth work, environmental development, community services, and capital planning. 

According to the evaluation, these interactions have fostered a “supportive network among social enterprises north and south of the border” and have helped participants move from transactional interactions toward “transformational partnerships” built on mutual learning and shared purpose. 

Strengthening Resilience & Social Impact 

Participants report increased confidence in strategic planning, better resource management, and enhanced organizational resilience. The evaluation notes early but promising signs of impact: leaders are revising business models, adopting digital practices, and leveraging peer support to navigate both ongoing sector challenges and future opportunities. 

In doing so, the programme is not only building stronger organizations — it is cultivating an all‑island social enterprise ecosystem characterized by cooperation, innovation, and shared social value. 

Advancing All‑Island Cohesion Through Social Enterprise 

While financial sustainability is central, the Discovery Programme is also playing a vital role in reconciliation and social cohesion. By focusing on practical enterprise challenges rather than identity or politics, it has helped organizations build bridges, foster trust, and work together for community benefit. This approach resonates with iCommunity’s wider mission: creating connected, resilient civic spaces across the island. 

Looking Ahead 

The interim findings suggest that the foundations for long-term all‑island collaboration in social enterprise are now in place. The challenge now is to continue translating vision into action: to embed cross‑border practices within organizational strategies, develop joint funding models, and build networks that will outlast any single programme.