Exciting New Capacity Building Programme Launches for Social Enterprises in Newry, Mourne & Down
We are delighted to announce the launch of a brand-new Capacity Building Programme, designed specifically to support and strengthen social enterprises operating across the Newry, Mourne and Down area funded by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
With the social enterprise sector playing an increasingly vital role in delivering community services and driving local economic activity, this programme has been developed to give social enterprise leaders the skills, knowledge and connections they need to take their organisations to the next level. Whether you are leading a well-established organisation or steering a newer enterprise through its early years of growth, this programme has something valuable to offer you.
Who Is It For?
The programme is open to board members, directors, managers and leaders of established social enterprises that are registered, actively trading and delivering services within the Newry, Mourne and Down council area.
What Will Participants Gain?
Over the course of six in-person sessions, you will work through a carefully structured programme covering the key pillars of sustainable social enterprise leadership. By the end of the programme, you will have developed a Professional Development Portfolio and received focused support across a wide range of critical areas including leadership development, governance and structure, corporate strategy, volunteer management, legal requirements for staff, and marketing.
The programme will also facilitate meaningful collaboration, you will build partnerships and networks with fellow social enterprise leaders from across the region. Dedicated sessions will focus on identifying future goals and potential funding sources — practical, real-world support that can make an immediate difference to your organisation.
The programme will run across six in-person sessions, taking place on:
- 14th-21st September (one to one)
- 8th October
- 12th November
- 19th November
- 10th December
- 21st January
All sessions will be held at Innovation House, Down Business Centre, Downpatrick, which provides a professional and welcoming environment for learning and networking.
Why Now?
The social enterprise sector in Northern Ireland continues to grow, but with growth comes complexity. Organisations are navigating increasingly competitive funding landscapes, evolving governance requirements and the ongoing challenge of doing more with less. This programme has been designed with that reality in mind — practical, relevant and delivered by people who have worked in and understand the sector.
Speaking about the launch, CEO of Down Business Centre said: “We know how hard the leaders of social enterprises work, often juggling multiple responsibilities with limited resources. This programme is our way of investing in those leaders — giving them dedicated time and space to step back, reflect and build their skills and strategies that will strengthen their organisations for years to come.”
The programme will be delivered by Emma Bohill, CEO of Down Business Centre and Gavin McConvey who has over 30 years of experience working in the voluntary and community sector.
How To Apply
Places on the programme are limited, so early application is strongly encouraged. To find out more, please contact Down Business Centre directly at business@downbc.co.uk.
The Programme will open for application on the 20th July. Applications will close 4th September 2027
This is a genuine opportunity to invest in yourself and your organisation — and to connect with a community of like-minded leaders who share your commitment to making a difference in Newry, Mourne and Down.
