Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards applications have now opened
Applications are now open for 2026 Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards.
First established in 2015, these awards recognise social enterprises tackling local challenges and delivering public good across Dublin . Last year, eight organisations shared €60,000 in funding alongside tailored business supports, which represented the city’s commitment in inclusive and sustainable enterprise.
Delivered by Dublin City Council in partnership with the Inner City Enterprise, the awards were officially launched at the Growing Good: Social Enterprise at the Heart of Local Food Systems event in the Wood Quay Venue yesterday evening. The launch was held as a SoCircular event during Local Enterprise Week, an initiative designed to celebrate and boost Dublin’s social and circular economy.
The awards are made possible through the support of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. Speaking ahead of the launch, Lord Mayor Councillor Ray McAdam praised the way social enterprises benefit the community and uplift everyone.
“They put people and planet at the centre, and they turn daily pressures into practical progress with imagination, care and grit. They create pathways into work, build skills and confidence, restore dignity, and strengthen the bonds that make a city feel like home,” he said.
“That is why I am proud we celebrate this leadership through the Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards, and I encourage every social enterprise across Dublin to apply this year and grow their impact even further.”
Highlighting the role social enterprises play in strengthening local food systems through community growing and education, the launch event showcased how previous winners found circular solutions to issues such as food waste. These best represent the ethos of SoCircular, and demonstrate the council’s commitment to celebrating the social and circular economy.
Ross Curley, Head of Economic Development, Dublin City Council, added: “Every day social enterprises are delivering measurable social and environmental impact, demonstrating how an inclusive economy can look. The awards are an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the hugely valuable work that social enterprises contribute to across the city.”
Social enterprises at any stage of development can apply for the 2026 Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards. The programme typically pairs financial support with mentorship to help boost the project’s impact around the city.
The 2025 list of recipients features several enterprises that are still doing great work around the city. These include:
Applications for this year’s programme are now open. More information on how to apply is available at https://innercityenterprise.com/dublin-city-social-enterprise-awards-2026/
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