Conversations of Impact – what is a social enterprise

As a part of our Conversations of Impact – Local to Global series, we are delighted to introduce the first event – What is a Social Enterprise?

Bringing together a panel of social enterprises, we took a look at some of the legal structures a social enterprise can take on. With a representative from each of the following structures, we heard from the panellists on their experiences forming a social enterprise in Ireland today.

• Co-operative
• Company Limited by Guarantee non-charity
• Company Limited by Guarantee charity
• Limited Liability
• Designated Activity Company (DAC)

Urban Co-op

“We are a Limerick based enterprising group of individuals who have come together to create and sustain an environment that encourages our community to thrive. Our purpose is to continue to develop a community grocery co-operative, wellness hub and education space for the benefit of its members, the wider community and the environment.”

Connections Arts Centre

“Our key objective is to work with organisations that support and connect adults and children from the Disability Community. We design bespoke Arts, Lifestyle, and Training programmes where the wider disability community can learn, grow, and connect through the Arts.”

Alex’s Adventure

Alex’s Adventure is rooted in the principles of harm reduction. When it comes to drug education, it offers more than the “Just Say No” approach, because it also provides teenagers with information to keep themselves and their friends safe if and when they do encounter these substances.

Siul Eile

Siul Eile is a social enterprise helping communities come together to form walking programs and challenges using the under-utilised local environment in their own community and to develop a sustainable walking culture in their community.

“We build walking programs using quiet country roads, forest paths, tracks and trails. It is designed for local communities to live quality healthy lives, socialise together and to combat rural isolation.”

The Rediscovery Centre

The Rediscovery Centre is the National Centre for the Circular Economy in Ireland. A creative movement connecting people, ideas and resources to support greener low-carbon living.

“As the National Centre for the Circular Economy, we bring together the skills and expertise of artists, scientists, designers and craftspeople united in a common purpose of sustainability. Located in a bespoke demonstration eco-facility, we support four reuse social enterprises; Rediscover Furniture, Rediscover Fashion, Rediscover Paint and Rediscover Cycling. These businesses use unwanted materials for new product development and design demonstrating effective resource efficiency, reuse and low carbon living.”