Participants of Social Impact Ireland’s

‘Business for Social Impact‘ Incubator Programme

presented their projects on Thursday May 20th in an exciting online showcase event.

Social Entrepreneurship spirit through a pandemic

Our ‘Business for Social Impact’ Incubator Programme is designed specifically to create and develop sustainable businesses that make positive social impact. This, our 6th edition of the programme, was run in partnership with Innovate Communities, ran for five months and has seen 11 new initiatives advance.

This edition was run online and included a series of interactive workshops, mentorship, personal journey support, and more – all customised to each participant’s unique journey. During the Incubator Programme we brought together experts in all areas of social business, providing a space to discover the possibilities, explore the options and map out the pathway that fits to the journey ahead for each social entrepreneur. It was also a unique opportunity to be part of a group of like-minded people, sharing and learning from each other as they went through the programme and beyond.

Lets meet The Participants

Innovate Communities

A word from our partners

We are a social enterprise based in Dublin and believe that real community change comes through placed-based social innovation. Using fresh thinking, design, technology and common sense we help people solve old problems in new ways, in the places they live, work and play.

Our Vision: Bold ideas build better futures.

Our Mission: Support communities to create new solutions that result in sustainable improvements.

We transform the way communities solve problems. We understand that people are the experts in their own lives and that the best results come from working closely with them to solve the challenges they face. We also understand the importance of partnering with relevant organisations which, like us, are committed to better outcomes, to effectively deal with these challenges.

That is why collaboration is key to our success. We work directly with individuals, social enterprises, local authorities, statutory bodies, business, not-for-profits and universities. At the heart of all our work is the ambition to shape dynamic innovations and projects that create economic and social benefits for all.

Guest Speaker

Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds offers over 6 years’ experience leading action research and practical interventions in the field of public and social innovation. An innovative and strategic thinker, and recognised social and public innovation expert, she regularly presents to, advises and trains various government and international agencies (e.g. EU Policy Lab; UNDG; OECD; various government agencies, etc.) on the benefits of incorporating citizen-led and social innovation approaches as a way to tackle various public challenges.

Guest Speaker

Third Space

Sean Mullan is the founder of Third Space. Third Space was set up for people to have a space that was not living space, not working space, but a Third Space. Smithfield opened its doors in 2012 and it is a social business venture to open and run eating and meeting places in Dublin where there is a lack of community hubs.
‘Our Philosophy is to create a welcoming space where our guests are at home and community thrives. With a simple and great menu and an informal friendly environment, they will have a creative buzz that connects into the varied life of a modern Dublin neighbourhood.’