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Why does SENI exist?

We believe that the social enterprise model of doing business can change the world for the better. Especially in Northern Ireland, a place where community, fairness, equality and prosperity have been held back thanks to decades of conflict.
Formed in 2012 with support from the Department for the Economy, Social Enterprise NI exists to grow, transform and enrich the sector in NI. With our membership directory, our carefully designed events schedule and the many opportunities for training and matchmaking, SENI is the magnetic core of social value procurement in NI.  
A full house at the SENI Annual Conference 2026
Two workers in Cafe IncredABLE, SENI's Social Enterprise of the year 02025

What is a Social Enterprise?

Social enterprises operate just like all businesses, but with one key difference; they reinvest their profits back into a pre-defined social or environmental purpose. Social Enterprise NI defines this as ‘Profit with a Purpose’. Most social enterprises give back to society by helping people, place or planet. 

Buy from or partner with a Social Enterprise

Social Enterprises are professionals at creating and selling products and services. The difference is when you buy from or work with a social enterprise, society benefits. To help you find the perfect social enterprise partner, SENI has created a social enterprise directory. From catering and branded merchandise, to sport facilities or entertainment, our directory is packed with over 800+ Social Enterprises in Northern Ireland.
Group of people from Space2, a Social Enterprise in NI

1,225+

Social enterprises
in Northern Ireland

£932.9

MILLION

Generated for the
N.I Economy

17,300+

Jobs created
locally

* Stats reported in 2025 NI Social Enterprise Sector Report

“We have been trusted to deliver the Department for the Economy’s Social Value Work Plan for over a decade. In that time we are proud that our influence has led to Social Value Scoring being introduced to Northern Ireland’s public sector procurement, but, our ambition doesn’t stop there. We really want to see Social Value Legislation being passed by the NI Executive and we want Northern Ireland to be a pioneer of this ethical, socially minded business model that is so needed in our fractured communities today.”

Colin Jess

CEO, Social Enterprise NI

SENI Key Facts

 

2012 – Social Enterprise NI established to deliver the Department for the Economy’s Social Work Plan and becomes the official body for over 1000 social enterprises in NI.

2016 – Colin Jess took over as CEO of SENI

2024 – Social Enterprise NI launched NI’s first Social Enterprise directory – an interactive portal aimed at forging relationships between the SE sector and the private sector.

2026 – SENI will launch a new Strategy Plan 2026 – 2029 to grow, transform and enrich the social enterprise sector in NI.

Social Enterprise NI Membership & Benefits

Perfect for proactive social enterprises who want the support, information and opportunities that come with being a member of Northern Ireland’s leading organisation for growing, transforming and enriching social enterprises right across Northern Ireland. 

Impact Partner (Private Business) Membership & Benefits

Perfect for private businesses and public organisations to meet and begin working with Social Enterprises in Northern Ireland. Every social enterprise member has been vetted and verified by the SENI team, facilitating the social value partner sourcing process. 

What our partners say

Membership Testimonials

Upcoming Events

Latest News

Social Enterprise of the Month – Changing Cycles

Social Enterprise of the Month – Changing Cycles

For all the women who are wondering why they always feel close to burnout, Joanne Callan from Changing Cycles has the answer – and for once, it’s not an expensive energising supplement! Changing Cycles is a social enterprise that exists to ensure that the cyclical...

read more
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