Project stage: Delivering and Implementing
The problem: Two-fold; 1. No space for people in the community to come and identify and work on their ideas for positive social change. 2. No space in the vicinity where start-ups, social enterprises and not-for-profits could rent deskspace at an affordable rate and at the same time where projects co-created with the local community could be run.
Target Groups: Local community, local businesses, start-ups, social enterprises, creatives and not-for-profits.
Geographic Area: Dublin Northwest.
Partners: Dublin City Council.
Solution: We set up our first prototype, a Social Innovation Hub in the centre of Ballymun; a creative test space for budding social entrepreneurs, startups and not-for-profits operating within the local community and a space for local people to design solutions and test their ideas.
Tools Used: Design-Thinking approach.
Funders: Dublin City Council, Enterprise Ireland, IKEA.
Changes made: Social Innovation Hub is now seen as a key contributor to the local community providing comprehensive support for the community, local startups, small enterprises and social entrepreneurs.
What people said:
“Our entertainment company has operated our national group office from Innovate Communities Social Innovation Hub in Ballymun for the past five years and during this time we have grown as a company due to the support and networking opportunities that the hub provides.” –Anthony Whelan, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Shadowhawk Entertainment.
Next step: Continue to
a) provide a professional creative space for the local community and businesses
b) promote socio-economic development by encouraging collaboration between local organisations and the community and
c) continue to develop new solutions that support community led innovation.