Enterprise Causeway has revealed that it generated £6.34 in social value for every £1 invested, creating more than £8 million in social value across the Causeway Coast and Glens during the 2024-25 period, according to a newly published independent Social Value Report.
The evaluation, carried out by Rose Regeneration using the Social Value Engine methodology, places Enterprise Causeway firmly within the UK Government’s category of “very high value for money”, which applies to projects generating more than £4 in social value for every £1 invested.
The report highlights Enterprise Causeway’s role as a key driver of economic growth, enterprise development, community wellbeing and social inclusion throughout the region. During the reporting period, the organisation supported more than 230 businesses through its enterprise hubs and programmes, assisted the creation of 164 new micro-enterprises and provided mentoring, training and support to help people access employment and business opportunities.
The impact extends far beyond business support. The report found Enterprise Causeway’s activities strengthened community connections, reduced social isolation and improved wellbeing through a range of arts, culture and community initiatives. More than 1,500 people benefited from networking opportunities, while community-led projects helped foster inclusion, confidence and stronger local relationships.
Enterprise Causeway
The report concludes that Enterprise Causeway’s model of combining enterprise support, community development, and social innovation continues to deliver measurable benefits and demonstrates the important role that social enterprises can play in creating inclusive and sustainable growth.
Enterprise Causeway’s network of enterprise hubs continues to play a significant role in the regional economy, supporting more than 100 tenant businesses and over 350 jobs while contributing in excess of £50 million annually to the local economy. By providing affordable workspace and tailored support, the organisation is helping businesses establish, grow and remain rooted within their local communities.
The findings build on a strong year for Enterprise Causeway. During 2025, the organisation successfully delivered the Connecting Communities: Coasts, Hills and Glens programme in partnership with Rathmullan the Way Forward, engaging more than 1,000 participants and 84 organisations in cross-border collaboration. It also hosted another sold-out CelebrateHER Conference, bringing together more than 250 women from across business, community and creative sectors to celebrate leadership, entrepreneurship and achievement.
Throughout the remainder of 2026, Enterprise Causeway will continue to invest in projects that combine economic development with community benefit. Through the Shared Island Civic Fund Programme, the organisation is working alongside Taste Causeway, Food Coast Donegal, and LegenDerry Food Network to strengthen cross-border collaboration within the food and drink sector.
The organisation is also launching the Founding Creatives Initiative at The Courthouse Shared Space and Creative Hub in Bushmills, creating new opportunities for artists, makers and creative entrepreneurs through studio space, pop-up opportunities and collaborative working environments. In parallel, Enterprise Causeway is exploring opportunities to further expand its property portfolio to meet growing demand from businesses and community organisations across the region.
Jayne Taggart, Chief Executive, Enterprise Causeway, said: “This report provides powerful evidence of the impact that locally rooted enterprise and community development can deliver. Generating £6.34 in social value for every £1 invested demonstrates that our work creates real and lasting benefits for businesses, individuals and communities across the Causeway Coast and Glens.
“While we are proud of the economic outcomes highlighted in the report, what is equally important is the impact on people’s lives. Whether supporting a new entrepreneur, helping someone into employment, reducing isolation or creating opportunities for communities to connect and collaborate, these outcomes are what truly matter.
“The findings reinforce the importance of place-based enterprise support and give us a strong platform to build on in 2026. Through initiatives such as the Shared Island Civic Fund Programme, the Founding Creatives Initiative and future investment in our enterprise infrastructure, we will continue working to create opportunities that deliver lasting economic, social and community value for the region.”
