How CLDC Is Helping Social Enterprises Thrive in Clare
A targeted LEADER-funded training & networking programme for post-COVID recovery and sustainability
LEADER | Clare Local Development Company | County Clare
Supporting Social Enterprises in County Clare
This programme, designed and delivered by Clare Local Development Company, supported social enterprises across County Clare in rebuilding, adapting, and planning for sustainable growth following the challenges of COVID-19.
Project
Snapshot
- Programme: LEADER
- Location: County Clare
- Themes: Economic Development & Job Creation
- Focus: Community Wealth Building
- Target Group: Social Enterprises
- Delivery: Workshops, Online Sessions & Networking Events
Overview
Why This Project Was Needed
Social enterprises across Clare emerged from the COVID period facing significant operational and financial pressures. Many organisations experienced reduced income streams, increased service demands, and limited resources to invest in recovery or strategic development.
CLDC’s Social Enterprise Strategy identified clear training gaps in fundraising, governance, communications, HR, and sustainability planning. Social enterprises required practical, accessible support to stabilise operations and strengthen their long-term resilience.
What We Did
Capacity Building & Skills Development
Delivered monthly in-person workshops addressing priority needs including fundraising, product and service development, strategic planning, governance, marketing, communications, and impact measurement.Focused Peer Learning
Provided smaller topic-specific online sessions that allowed participants to explore challenges in greater depth while benefiting from peer exchange and shared learning.Networking & Collaboration
Facilitated networking events designed to reduce isolation, strengthen connections, and encourage collaboration within Clare’s social enterprise sector, including elevator-pitch preparation for corporate engagement opportunities.PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS
Building Sustainability & Resilience
Practical fundraising and revenue generation strategies
Governance, legal, and HR guidance
Communications and marketing development
Strategic planning and organisational sustainability
Introduction to impact measurement frameworks
IMPACT & OUTCOMES
- Delivered a structured, county-wide training programme responding to clearly identified needs
- Strengthened organisational capacity across participating social enterprises
- Enabled knowledge-sharing and peer learning
- Created valuable networking and collaboration opportunities
This programme provided exactly the type of practical support social enterprises need — relevant, accessible, and grounded in real operational challenges.
Learning & Future Potential
What Worked
– Strong demand for practical, applied training
– Value of peer learning and networking
– High engagement with sustainability and strategy topics
Lessons Learned
– Social enterprises benefit from blended supports (group + one-to-one)
– Significant demand for impact measurement and evaluation training
– Diverse organisational needs require flexible delivery models
Future Potential
Participants and CLDC identified clear opportunities to expand the approach through:
– Greater one-to-one bespoke supports
– Deeper impact measurement assistance
– Continued networking and collaboration initiatives
Acknowledgements
This project was funded through the LEADER Programme and delivered by Clare Local Development Company.
Supporting sustainable enterprise, employment, and community resilience across County Clare.
