Supporting social enterpises across county clare since 2023
Training, networking & practical support for social enterprises in Clare
The Clare Social Enterprise Network supports social enterprises across County Clare through training, mentoring, collaboration and shared learning. The network helps people connect, strengthen their organisations and explore new opportunities for local impact.
For upcoming traning events and online registration, visit the Clare Social Enterprises website.
To hear about upcoming training and network events, contact Aisling de Klerk at adeklerk@cldc.ie.
What is a social enterprise?
A social enterprise is an enterprise whose objective is to achieve a social, societal or environmental impact, rather than maximising profit for owners or shareholders. Social enterprises trade to achieve their purpose and reinvest their surpluses to support that mission.
In Clare, social enterprises play an important role in supporting rural communities, delivering local services and creating positive social impact.
Suport available through CLDC Social Enterprise Network
- Training & workshops
- Mentoring & practical guidance
- Referral to other organisations & agencies
- Networking/ Collaboration opportunities
- Signposting to grant aid & capital supports
- Annual social enterprise conference
- Social enterprise members booklet
The network’s main goal is to give social enterprises in Clare a platform to connect with like-minded people, share ideas, experiences and challenges, and identify opportunities to work together.
Who this support is for
- Early-stage social enterprises
- Established community-led enterprises
- Board members, managers, staff & volunteers
- Orgs with social/community/environmental mission
Training & events
The Clare Social Enterprise Network was launched in January 2023 to support social enterprises across the county. Through CLDC’s work under LEADER and SICAP, the network helps build capacity through training, networking and collaboration.
Recent and upcoming topics have included:
- Using AI tools in social enterprises
- Storytelling & brand communications
- Laying strong foundations for long-term success
- Pathways to a sustainable social enterprise
- Networking & peer learning opportunities
Visit the Clare Social Enterprises training website to explore upcoming sessions and register online.
Support to grow your social enterprise
The Clare Social Enterprise Network helps social enterprises across County Clare build skills, strengthen governance, and access practical supports through training, mentoring and shared learning opportunities. Whether you are developing a new idea or growing an established organisation, the network can help you connect with relevant supports and build capacity for long-term impact.
Examples of Social Enterprises in Clare the CLDC has supported
The Burren Centre
The Burren Centre is a social enterprise catering to the needs of both tourists and locals in Kilfenora Co. Clare, providing information, education, café, meeting and exhibition spaces.
ClareBus (Now Local Link)
Clarebus (now Local Link) is a community based not-for profit bus transport service based in Feakle Co. Clare providing crucial local transport links throughout the county
Obair
Obair is a community development organisation providing a variety of supports to the people of Newmarket on Fergus and surrounding areas, including community crèche, afterschool, café, meals on wheels and education and training programmes
If you are involved in a social enterprise, developing an idea, or want to connect with others working in this space in Clare, we would be happy to hear from you.