The Social Business Wales Awards have announced the individuals and institutions that have reached the shortlist for their eighth awards ceremony. The aim of the awards is to celebrate the success of enterprises and businesses that make a difference in communities across Wales by measuring success in terms of their impact on the ground. The awards are part of the Social Business Wales project that is funded by the Welsh Government.
There are 6 award categories, each celebrating a different aspect of social businesses in Wales. The award nominees are as follows:
Social Enterprise of the Year (sponsored by Dŵr Cymru)
An award for social enterprises that have been active for 2 years and that excel at showing strategic vision, are well run and are committed to having a positive impact in the wider community.
The nominees are:
- Câr-y-Môr
- Galeri Caernarfon Cyf
- Partneriaeth Ogwen
One to Watch (sponsored by Dŵr Cymru)
An award for new social enterprises, that have been active for less than 2 years up until April 2023 and that express a broader vision of their purpose and objectives for the future and show how they are to be achieved in a clear and confident way.
The nominees are:
- Menter y Glan
- Signposted Cymru
- The Bike Lock
Building Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, & Justice (sponsored by Co-operative Group)
An award for those social enterprises that are getting to grips with trying to achieve social justice.
The nominees are:
- Inside Out Wales
- NeuDICE CIC
- Outside Lives
Social Enterprise Women’s Champion
An award that recognises a woman that works as a social enterprise leader or in an institution that supports social enterprises.
The nominees are:
- Hannah Pugh, Holistic Hoarding
- Eleanor Shaw, People Speak Up
- Lucy Powell, Outside Lives Ltd
Community-based Social Enterprise (sponsored by Legal and General)
An award for social enterprises that have been active for 2 years or more and that have had a significant local impact.
The nominees are:
- Câr-y-Môr
- Pemborkeshire Coastal Forum
- With Music in Mind
Social Enterprise Innovation of the Year (sponsored by University of Wales Trinity St David)
An award that recognises a social enterprise that provides an innovative product or service.
The nominees are:
- Câr-y-Môr
- Creating Enterprise
- SimpLee Swim Ltd
The awards ceremony will take place in Cardiff on 18 October. Every winner will then go on to represent Wales in the UK Social Business Awards held in December. For more information about the nominees, follow this link.
