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Helping local communities develop business ideas to create employment and improve income will be the focus of an upcoming day of free workshops at Crumlin Road Gaol organised by peacebuilding charity Co-operation Ireland.

This project is funded by the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Match-funding for the project has been provided by The Executive Office in Northern Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development in Ireland.

The Friday, May 19 event is part of the cross-border Future Innovators programme that has already seen 14 organisations from across Northern Ireland and Donegal access funding and mentoring support though a dedicated project officer to develop community enterprises – from pizza trucks to a community tourism business.

The masterclasses available on the day at the Social Innovation Conference are ‘Creating Retail Magic’, ‘Digital Marketing Masterclass’ ‘Funding a new enterprise’ and ‘Using your story to sell your brand’. Each session will be delivered by industry professionals.

In addition to taking part in the free masterclasses, attendees will get the opportunity to meet with the 14 Social Innovation Projects from across the five Urban Village Areas of Northern Ireland and Donegal which have already accessed funding, and to learn from industry experts as to how communities can bring their ideas of change to fruition. 

The keynote speaker is Dave Linton, Founder of ethical luggage Community Interest Company Madlug.

Registration on the day of the event will be from 10.30am to 11.00am and lunch and refreshments will be provided. Tickets must be reserved in advance via Eventbrite.

The New social innovation projects established as part of the Future Innovators project are from Belfast, Derry / Londonderry and Donegal. All projects in Northern Ireland are located in Urban Village areas.

Co-operation Ireland CEO Peter Sheridan said:

“Transition to a purely peaceful society has to be underpinned by a vibrant economy and helping our fantastic community sector establish their own businesses is a brilliant way to achieve this.

“Not only do social enterprises create jobs, but in these times of financial insecurity they provide much needed extra income for organisations which provide invaluable services to our communities.”

To register for this event, please complete the link below.  Places are limited so it is advised to register early to avoid disappointment.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/future-innovators-conference-2023-tickets-585821597167