Robert Emmets GAC Slaughtneil, West Bann Development and Evolve Northern Ireland – all based in Co
Derry – were amongst ten community-based organisations from seven counties to complete the NetWorx25 programme, which wrapped up this month.
The programme concluded with a final residential, held in Lustybeg Island Resort in Kesh, Co. Fermanagh.
Now in its second year, The NetWorx25 Programme is a cross-border and cross community project managed by Community Finance Ireland in partnership with the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action, funded by the International Fund for Ireland, and focuses on local development, mentorship and networking.
The programme is designed to support and strengthen social enterprises and community-focused organisations in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Participating organisations came together to explore opportunities around business support, social enterprise growth, financial sustainability, and meaningful partnership development.
Over the course of the programme, organisations engaged in a structured series of development sessions and workshops supported by experienced business mentors.
These covered key areas such as fundraising and financial planning, organisational development and strategic planning, social impact measurement, and digital skills including social media and content marketing.
A core strength of the programme was its emphasis on networking and cross-community collaboration.
Through residentials, workshops, and peer-learning environments, organisations had the opportunity to build relationships with groups from diverse backgrounds, many of whom had little or no prior community engagement on a cross-border level.
These interactions fostered open dialogue, shared problem-solving, and the identification of common challenges, laying the groundwork for future partnerships and joint initiatives.
Darren Richardson, Evolve NI, said: “We want to try to marry our two goals of working with local communities and young people - addressing need but using social enterprise as a vehicle to really engage with those marginalised communities. The opportunity being presented to us here, I believe, will fit that ambition.”
A spokesperson for Robert Emmets GAC in Slaughtneil added: "Robert Emmets GAC found the programme insightful and valuable in sharing learning and experience from other partner organisations, which will strengthen our approach as we embark on an exciting Development Plan to enhance community and sports facilities in Slaughtneil."
Digital innovation has become essential for community organisations seeking sustainability. Through NetWorx25, participants share digital tools and learn how AI-powered platforms can streamline operations and enhance productivity.
One standout example is West Bann Development, which has adopted ‘Xero’, an AI-driven finance platform, to manage its accounts efficiently without the cost of an on-site finance officer.
Angela Mulholland, of West Bann Development said: “We simply couldn’t afford to have a full-time finance officer, but by using AI-driven systems like Xero, we now have the same level of financial oversight and reporting that a much larger organisation would enjoy. It’s been transformative - saving us time and money and giving our team the confidence to make informed decisions.”
Donal Traynor, CEO of Community Finance Ireland added: "As we reach the end our NetWorx25 programme, I'd like to pay tribute to everyone who helped make this programme a huge success. The feedback from our participants has been incredibly positive. It's inspiring to see impact and mission focused organisations like our participants come together with passion and openness to develop, grow and give their very best to the communities they serve.
"Over the course of the programme, our NetWorx25 participants have had the opportunities to make new connections, explore new ideas and build powerful collaborations. On behalf of Community Finance Ireland, I'd like to warmly thank all of our participant organisations, expert facilitators and programme manager Michael Mullin, for their hard work and dedication."
