Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald addressed the Social Enterprise NI Annual Conference in Derry. She thanked the sector for creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and contributing to the Northern Ireland economy.

The Minister provided an update on progress one year after her Department's Social Enterprise Action Plan launch. The update shows strong momentum, with growth in confidence, capability, and visibility across the sector.

Recent research launched by the Minister estimates the social enterprise sector generates £933 million in turnover and supports over 17,000 jobs across all regions of Northern Ireland. The study notes that 44% of NI social enterprises are female-led and have a strong presence in deprived communities.

Archibald reaffirmed her commitment to harnessing the sector's community, social, and economic impact. Her ambitions include making the sector confident, visible, integrated into the economic system, supported to scale and innovate, and recognised for its economic and social value.

The conference, hosted in Derry for the first time, drew nearly 150 attendees including social enterprises, policymakers, and sector partners. It emphasised regional balance and the diversity of social enterprise activity across Northern Ireland.