Application Deadline: The deadline for this award has been extended to Monday, 15th September at 5:00 P.M.
Award Summary: Recognises a social enterprise that actively contributes to making our communities more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable.
Judges assess: Vision, impact, social value and long-term commitment
Award Description:
What is a social enterprise?
(Trading for Impact: National Social Enterprise Policy 2024-2027.)
- A social enterprise is an enterprise whose objective is to achieve a social, societal or environmental impact, rather than maximising profit for its owners or shareholders.
- It pursues its objectives by trading on an ongoing basis through the provision of goods and/or services, and by reinvesting surpluses into achieving social objectives.
- It is governed in a fully accountable and transparent manner and is independent of the public sector. If dissolved, it should transfer its assets to another organisation with a similar mission.
This award celebrates social enterprises, showcasing their amazing work and the positive impact they bring to our communities in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. Their primary focus is to make a real difference in their communities and to their beneficiaries using a trading model. They operate in the non-profit sector with any profits being reinvested in the work of the social enterprise to create a social impact. This is what makes them different to a charity and to a corporate business.
The work of a social enterprise can take many forms. What matters most is the objective to achieve ‘profit for purpose’ while pursuing social and/or environmental objectives and developing economic activity.
This award recognises your work, the difference you are making, and how well your initiatives are aligned with community needs.
Proudly Sponsored by DLR CC & supported by Southside Partnership DLR
Why Enter?
Your social enterprise doesn’t exist in isolation — it’s part of a broader social fabric. You’re investing time, resources, and creativity into building stronger, fairer, & more connected communities, this is your chance to be recognised.
Winning this award affirms your role as a responsible and valued organisation and strengthens your work and impact in DLR.
Judging Criteria
Judges will evaluate entries based on:
- Social / societal / environmental mission – Does the initiative address a real local need?
- Collaboration and engagement – Are local stakeholders meaningfully involved?
- Impact and outcomes – What tangible difference has the project made?
- Sustainability and continuity – Has the social enterprise got long term potential
- Innovation – Has the social enterprise approached meeting their identified beneficiary needs in a creative way?
Eligibility
To qualify, social enterprises must:
- Be based in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown
- Meet the definition of a social enterprise
- Have been operating for at least 12 months
- Demonstrate clear community-focused activity conducted within the last 3 years (ongoing or completed)
Both small and large-scale initiatives are welcome. What matters is depth of engagement and the impact the social enterprise is making within the community.
Social Enterprise of the Year
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Dún Laoghaire Chamber Business Awards
Wednesday 22nd October 2025 | Royal Marine Hotel
Dress: Black Tie
Application Deadline: The deadline for this award has been extended to Monday, 15th September at 5:00 P.M.