The programme has taught us several things primarily how community involvement plays a key role in the development of any project. Engaging with right stakeholders at the right time and at the right place for the right decision is crucial for development. Involving community as a prime stakeholder can provide valuable insights and feedback, leading to better decision-making and improved project outcomes.

I took part in the Incubate for Growth programme at Innovate Communities starting in July 2019. It was a vital part of my growth journey, being a newly established business.

Hear from Jason and Dylan as to how Inspire Mentoring is helping them change their lives.

Inspire is a digital social innovation that was born out of an issue that many of us in the have faced, finding the right connections and building positive and supportive relationships with others, others that have experience in areas where we lack, so hear about the INSPIRE through our 2023 showcase.

Human centred innovation/design is necessary says McKinsey, 2023 ,”even a great idea or mission can be crippled by design that doesn’t put people first. Why should human considerations—such as their needs, wants, and dreams—only come into the conversation later?”

“In a nutshell, social innovation is about creating the ideas for change and social enterprise is about the business model for social change. Often, some social innovations become social enterprises” Fiona Descoteaux, CEO and Co-Founder of Innovate Communities

Over 10 months, I received free one-on-one mentoring, desk space in the social innovation hub in Ballymun and access to a wide network of other businesses and relevant contacts. What I gained most from the programme is a sense of community and camaraderie.

The support of Innovate Communities came at a pivotal moment in our journey. After the pandemic derailed our initial business, we were still figuring out our next move when we discovered the Incubate For Growth programme.

Innovate Communities has helped us grow as an organisation in so many ways. The one to ones with Annabelle Conway, social innovation manager at Innovate Communities have been invaluable, giving us guidance and structure throughout our journey.