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Background
- Although there is a great deal of assistance available at the start up phases of many social enterprise projects, there is very limited support available to these projects during the latter operational stages when difficulties are often experienced.
- There is a need to increase the sustainability of local community enterprises, enhance employment opportunities and address the outward migration of young people from disadvantaged areas in the border region.
- There is also a need to support the social economy in recognising and diversifying into alternative markets, including the ICT industry and rural tourism initiatives.
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Testimonial:-
"The networks programme has been very beneficial to Belturbet Community Development as both the mentoring sessions and the workshops have helped us towards solving some of our problems to include marketing, managing staff etc. It has also given us the opportunity to network with other groups in a similar position. Our only regret is that this Programme was not available when we were starting our project. We have enjoyed the experience and hope to keep in touch with all the friends we made through the Programme. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to take part."
(Susan Smith & Mary Prior, Directors, Belturbet Community Development Ltd, Co. Cavan)
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Aim
NetWORKS aims to increase the efficiency, sustainability, and skill base of Social Enterprise projects and stimulate the formation of new cross border-trading and community alliances that impact socially and economically in both Northern Ireland and the border region of Ireland.
Objectives:
- The provision of free tailored training and mentoring support to all Social Businesses that are in the operational stages of managing a community enterprise in Northern Ireland and the border region of Ireland.
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The encouragement of Social Businesses to learn from one another on a cross-border / cross-community basis, both in their ability to manage a community business and their social impact in their respective areas. We also propose to make them more aware of the need to market themselves on a transcultural basis, overcoming barriers in situ as a legacy of the conflict and taking all opportunities applicable arising out of peace, including economic opportunities that have come about as a consequence of the peace process.
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The provision of a dedicated training and mentoring programme will undoubtedly strengthen the entire social economy sector in Northern Ireland and throughout the Southern Border Region of Ireland. | 
