20th November 2025 we celebrate Social Enterprise Day, a moment to recognise, champion, and shout about the incredible work happening right across Northern Ireland. This year’s theme is Thriving on Purpose, and there’s never been a better time to celebrate what our sector has achieved.
A Sector That’s Truly Thriving
The recently published Department for Economy’s 2025 Northern Ireland Social Enterprise Sector Report reveals just how vital social enterprises are to our economy and communities:
- Over 1,225 social enterprises are operating across Northern Ireland
- £932.9 million contributed to our economy
- More than 17,300 people employed in meaningful, purposeful work
- 44% are based in our most deprived areas – working where they’re needed most
These numbers represent real people, real communities, and real change happening every single day.
What Does Thriving on Purpose Mean?
Thriving on purpose means building businesses that flourish while creating positive social and environmental impact. It’s about:
- Creating quality jobs in communities that need them most
- Reinvesting profits back into your mission, not into shareholders’ pockets
- Solving social problems through innovative, sustainable business models
- Building resilient communities that can weather any storm
- Proving that business can be different – and better
Social enterprises across Northern Ireland are showing the world every day that purpose and profit aren’t opposites, they’re partners in creating lasting change.
Share Your #WhoKnew Fact Today
We know you’re doing incredible work. SE DAY is the day to shout about it!
We’ve created a special #WhoKnew template to help you share your impact with the world. Whether it’s:
- The number of people you’ve employed from disadvantaged backgrounds
- The tonnes of waste you’ve diverted from landfill
- The meals you’ve provided to those in need
- The young people you’ve helped into work
- The mental health support you’ve delivered
- The community space you’ve created
Your story matters. Your impact matters. Today, we want to hear it.
How to Get Involved:
- Download our #WhoKnew template here: Canva Template Link
- Add your picture and your amazing #WhoKnew fact
- Share it across your social media using the hashtags:
- #WhoKnew
- #SocialEnterpriseDay
- #ThrivingOnPurpose
- #SocialEnterprise
- Tag us @SocialEnterpriseNI so we can celebrate and share your impact!
A Sector Worth Celebrating
From tech innovators to community cafés, from environmental champions to employment creators, social enterprises in Northern Ireland are as diverse as the communities they serve. What unites us all is a commitment to doing business differently.
You’re proving that:
- Businesses can prioritise people over profit
- Social impact and financial sustainability can go hand in hand
- Communities can take control of their own futures
- There’s a better way to do business
Looking Forward
As we celebrate YOU, we’re also looking to the future. The 2025 sector report shows we’re growing, we’re resilient, and we’re making a real difference. But there’s still work to do.
We need:
- Better access to finance that understands our unique models
- More recognition in procurement processes
- Stronger support for scaling our impact
- Greater public understanding of what social enterprise really means
Today isn’t just about celebration – it’s about showing the world what’s possible when business thrives on purpose.
To Learn more, network and collaborate, why not come along to our next Partnering for Impact Event in Newry, 4th December: Partnering for Impact – Newry – Social Enterprise NI
Thank You
To every social enterprise across Northern Ireland – thank you. Thank you for creating jobs, strengthening communities, protecting our environment, and proving every single day that business can be a powerful force for good.
You are thriving on purpose. Today, we celebrate you.
Now go grab that template and show the world what you do! 🌟
Download the #WhoKnew template: Canva Link
Join the conversation: #SocialEnterpriseDay #ThrivingOnPurpose #WhoKnew #SocialEnterprise #NorthernIreland