Public Vote Open from Monday 10th August 10am!
We are delighted to reveal the list of nominees in the Consumer Facing or Product Based Award Category for this year’s NI Social Enterprise Awards 2026.
The Consumer Facing or Product Based Award celebrates a social enterprise that produces or delivers a retail product or service through a brand that is recognised by consumers.
This is your chance to support the local social enterprises you know and love.
Check out the finalists below!
VOTE FROM MONDAY 10th August at 10am!
Voting closes on Sunday 16th August at midnight.
Active Youth NI is a Community Interest Company (CIC) established in 2022 to increase access to inclusive physical activity for children and young people.
Through after-school clubs, holiday camps, coaching, disability programmes and community initiatives, it supports over 4,000 participants annually and has engaged almost 15,000 young people since launch. Using a sustainable social enterprise model, all surpluses are reinvested into subsidised and inclusive programmes.
Active Youth NI has experienced significant growth while remaining committed to removing barriers to participation through a non-sport-specific approach that ensures every child can be active, develop confidence and improve their wellbeing.
Better is Belfast’s leading leisure and wellbeing provider, serving over 40,000 members across 16 facilities and attracting more than 3.3 million visits annually.
Operated by charitable social enterprise GLL since 2015, Better offers affordable fitness, swimming, sport and wellbeing services while reinvesting all income into facilities, accessibility and community programmes.
More than 6,500 children participate in lessons and activities each week, and over half of members receive concessionary memberships. Having reinvested over £4 million in Belfast facilities and generated £47 million in social value last year, Better combines high-quality services with a strong commitment to healthier, more inclusive communities.
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Harry’s Place CIC, established in 2020, is a unique social enterprise operating two fully plant-based cafés in Ballynahinch and Belfast. At the heart of the organisation are adults with learning disabilities and/or autism, who help deliver an inclusive and welcoming customer experience.
Revenue comes from café sales, in-house baking, day opportunity projects, and donations. Known for its high-quality vegan food and strong community impact, Harry’s has gained significant recognition through media coverage, awards, and partnerships.
With plans for a third café in Annalong through a partnership with Friends Forever International, Harry’s Place continues to grow while maintaining strong financial stability and social purpose.
Since 1997, incredABLE has supported over 700 children and adults with intellectual disabilities and/or autism each year across the Southern Health and Social Care Trust area. Through person-centred programmes including respite, life skills, employment training, social activities, and holidays, we promote inclusion, independence, and wellbeing.
Our award-winning social enterprises, including cafés, handcrafted chocolate production, accommodation services, and the upcoming Just incredABLE retail outlet, provide valuable training, employment, and sustainable income. Serving over 218,000 customers annually, we combine commercial success with social impact, challenging stereotypes and creating opportunities for participants to thrive.
Recognised with multiple awards, incredABLE continues to transform lives and build more inclusive communities.
Lurgan Credit Union (LCU) is a member-owned financial cooperative established in 1963 to provide fair, accessible and ethical financial services.
Serving over 33,000 members across Lurgan and Craigavon, it manages £69.1 million in savings and a £34.8 million loan book. Built on principles of equality, inclusion and mutual support, LCU offers affordable savings, loans and financial protection products, particularly for those underserved by mainstream lenders.
As a regulated social enterprise, all surpluses are reinvested into member benefits and community initiatives, helping improve financial wellbeing while keeping value within the local economy.
Macha’s Orchard is a community-rooted social enterprise run by Richmount Rural Community Association.
Profits are reinvested into local services for older people and those in need. Committed to sustainability, the enterprise reduces food waste by using every part of locally grown Armagh Bramley apples to create natural, additive-free health products. Their nutrient-rich apple powder, made from whole apples including peel and cores, is high in fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants.
By supporting local growers, creating employment, and promoting environmentally friendly food production, every purchase benefits both personal health and the wider community.
Storybox is a social enterprise founded in 2021 by Rachel McIlgorm to support local businesses and social enterprises through ethical, meaningful gifting.
Working with over 65 local producers and offering more than 150 products, Storybox promotes ethical sourcing, social impact, and community support. Its corporate gifting service serves over 120 clients across Ireland and internationally.
Beyond gifting, Storybox operates as a creative community hub, providing retail, workshop, studio, and event spaces that connect makers, freelancers, and small businesses through collaboration, learning, and community engagement.