Applications are now open for the Northern Ireland Social Enterprise Awards 2026, organised by Social Enterprise Northern Ireland.
The annual awards celebrate the contribution of social enterprises across Northern Ireland, recognising organisations and individuals creating meaningful impact within communities, supporting inclusion, strengthening local economies, and improving environmental and social wellbeing.
This year’s categories include Best New Start Up, Community Based Social Enterprise, Social Impact Award, Best Use of Social Media, Social Enterprise Building Diversity, Inclusion and Equality, Emerging Leader, Young Person, and Social Enterprise of the Year, alongside several other organisational, individual, and partnership awards.
Applications will close at midnight on Sunday, 12 July 2026. Entries will then be considered by judging panels, with shortlisted applicants expected to be notified in early September.
The winners will be announced at the Northern Ireland Social Enterprise Awards ceremony on 23 October 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Shaws Bridge, Belfast. The event will be hosted by BBC radio presenter and Social Enterprise NI ambassador Cate Conway.
The awards provide an important platform for highlighting the creativity, leadership, and community impact of Northern Ireland’s growing social enterprise sector.