On 24 February, leaders from across Ireland’s social enterprise ecosystem gathered in Croke Park for Driving Social Enterprise, a landmark event marking eight years of partnership between IPB Insurance, Rethink Ireland, and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. The occasion not only celebrated the extraordinary achievements of the Social Enterprise Development (SED) Fund but also launched a new digital learning legacy designed to empower the next generation of social entrepreneurs.

Since 2018, this unique public–private partnership has delivered one of the most significant investments in social enterprise in the history of the State. IPB Insurance invested €2.4 million, matched by the Department through the Dormant Accounts Fund, bringing the total fund value to €4.8 million. Over eight years, this collaboration has strengthened the sector nationwide, supporting 130 enterprises, backing 300 emerging founders, creating jobs, enabling pathways to employment, and bringing vital services to more than 400,000 people.

The event opened with reflections from sector champions including IPB Insurance Chair John Hogan, Minister Jerry Buttimer, and Rethink Ireland Chair Áine Kerr. Their messages underscored a shared belief: that social enterprises are central to building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities. Stories from awardees such as the Toy Library in Cork brought this impact to life, highlighting how organisations have scaled their missions through funding, mentoring, and capacity‑building.

Addressing a packed audience, Chair of IPB John Hogan said, “Across Ireland, we have witnessed remarkable social enterprises not only emerge but truly take flight through the Social Enterprise Development Fund. Organisations like FoodCloud, Bounce Back Recycling, The Shona Project, and Sensational Kids show the power of innovation grounded in community-need from tackling food insecurity and driving the circular economy, to empowering young people and expanding vital supports for children and families. These examples represent just a fraction of the extraordinary work happening nationwide.”

He added, “What continues to inspire me is the sheer range of missions represented in this sector, and the unwavering creativity, compassion, and determination behind each one. Social enterprises are addressing some of society’s most complex challenges every single day, and it is a privilege to witness and support their impact.”

A major milestone of the day was the official launch of a new digital course for social entrepreneurs, developed as a lasting legacy of the SED Fund. The course will provide accessible, high‑quality learning to support early‑stage social innovators across the country ensuring the Fund’s impact continues long into the future.

Panel contributions from Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland, Education for Sustainability, Bounce Back Recycling and others pointed to a sector brimming with ambition. As the event concluded, one message rang clear: this eight‑year partnership has not only strengthened Ireland’s social enterprise infrastructure, it has set the stage for a new era of community‑led innovation.