Why Social Enterprise NI Membership is Essential for Your Organisation’s Growth in 2025

Sep 3, 2025

Join Northern Ireland’s largest network of social enterprises and unlock opportunities that drive both profit and purpose 

Transform Your Social Enterprise with SENI Membership 

Are you running a social enterprise in Northern Ireland and wondering how to accelerate your growth whilst maximising your social impact? Social Enterprise Northern Ireland (SENI) membership offers the comprehensive support network, resources, and connections your organisation needs to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. 

With over 1,225 social enterprises across Northern Ireland contributing £932.9 million to the economy and creating 17,300+ jobs, the sector has never been stronger. Yet many social enterprises still struggle to access the right support, networks, and opportunities to scale their impact effectively. 

 

What Makes SENI Membership Different? 

Affordable, Revenue-Based Pricing That Grows With You 

SENI understands that social enterprises come in all shapes and sizes. That is why their membership structure is designed to support you at every stage of your journey: 

  • Start Up (Up to £20k turnover): FREE 
  • Capacity Building (£20K – £99K): £50 annually 
  • Striving Forward (£100K – £249K): £100 annually 
  • Sustain (£250K – £499K): £150 annually 
  • Grow (£500K – £5M): £200 annually 
  • Build & Scale (£5M Plus): £300 annually 

 

This tiered revenue-based approach ensures membership remains accessible whether you are just starting your social enterprise journey or leading a well-established organisation. 

 

Comprehensive Membership Benefits That Drive Real Results 

  1. Marketing & Promotion Support 

Building visibility for your social enterprise can be challenging, but SENI membership provides multiple channels to showcase your work: 

  • FREE training events to develop your skills and knowledge 
  • Regular networking activities connecting you with like-minded entrepreneurs 
  • Access to roundtable events where you can share insights and learn from peers 
  • Bursaries to attend international events, expanding your reach beyond NI  
  • Featured placement in social media campaigns and newsletters 
  • PR exposure through SENI’s established media relationships 
  • Online case studies and podcast opportunities to tell your story 
  • Bespoke Profile on the SENI directory  

 

 

  1. Lobbying & Advocacy: Your Voice in Government 

One of SENI’s most powerful membership benefits is advocacy support. As the voice of social enterprises in Northern Ireland, SENI ensures your interests are represented where it matters most: 

  • Opportunity to attend the Social Enterprise All Party Working Group with MLAs 
  • Participation in thematic lobbying groups focusing on key sector issues 
  • Access to Senior Civil Servants who shape policy affecting social enterprises 
  • Involvement in lobbying campaigns that drive positive change for the sector 

 

This high-level access ensures your challenges and successes inform government policy, creating a more supportive environment for all social enterprises. 

 

  1. Professional Development & Business Support 

SENI membership goes beyond networking – it provides tangible business support through our Social Value Strategic Partners: 

  • Pro bono support from professional services firms 
  • Discounted business services with Viable Corporate Services 
  • HR advice and recruitment support through partners like Hays Recruitment 
  • Legal consultation including free initial meetings with Edwards & Co Solicitors 
  • Insurance evaluation services from Lockton Insurance 
  • Confidential shredding services at discounted rates through UShred 
  • Pro bono Leadership health check with O’Reilly People Management 
  • Discounted Staff Membership Rate with Better Leisure Centres 
  • Signposting to relevant support with Good Succeed, Invest NI and InterTradeIreland 
  • Access to a host of other Social Value Partners for new business opportunities 

 

  1. Access to the Social Enterprise Directory 

The SENI directory contains over 600 social enterprises across Northern Ireland, making it easy to: 

  • Find potential collaboration partners 
  • Identify suppliers within the sector who share your values 
  • Connect with organisations in other sectors 
  • Build supply chain relationships with social impact 

 

  1. Investment & Growth Opportunities 

SENI members gain access to pitching investment opportunities and supply chain connections that can help to build your organisation’s financial sustainability. Whether you are seeking funding for expansion or looking for new markets, the SENI network provides connections that matter. 

 

 

Connect With Northern Ireland’s Largest Social Enterprise Network 

When you join SENI, you are not just becoming a member – you are joining a community of over 400 social enterprises working together to create positive change across Northern Ireland. 

 

Who Can Join SENI? 

SENI membership is open to social enterprises of all legal structures (CICs, charities, co-operatives etc) who recognise 

  • Mission & Profit Alignment – are driven by the desire to make profit which will be reinvested to support their social mission. 
  • Independent Governance – are an independent business, with a voluntary board of trustees/directors who are responsible for the governance & strategic direction of the organisation 
  • Income Through Trading generate the majority of their income through trading goods or services or actively working towards this goal.  

 

Join the Movement: #BuySocial Starts with You 

Social enterprises are reshaping how business is done in Northern Ireland, proving that profit and purpose can work hand in hand. By joining SENI, you are not just investing in your organisation’s future – you are supporting a movement that puts people and planet first. 

Ready to accelerate your social enterprise journey? Join SENI today and discover how membership can transform your organisation’s impact and reach. 

 

Contact Information: 

  • Phone: 028 9046 1810 
  • Address: Social Enterprise Northern Ireland, Innovation Factory, Springfield Rd, Belfast BT12 7DG 

Social Enterprise Northern Ireland: Empowering Profit with Purpose, Inspiring Lasting Impact 

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