The Award, which is one of six new categories to be introduced into the competition this year, recognises and champions the vital work carried out by the most successful social entrepreneurs in Belfast and marks the contributions that they have made in changing the future of their communities.

Having invested £25million into the social economy of Northern Ireland, UCIT is now one of the largest Community Finance Development Associations (CDFA) in the UK.

Since 2003, over 220 organisations in both Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland have benefited from UCIT’s programmes of business support, all of which have been based in the most marginalised areas of Ireland.

Financial assistance and business training and mentoring support delivered by UCIT has facilitated the creation of 692 jobs within the social economy of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, while its support of indigenous business has provided a further 2,460 jobs in this area. The organisation now stands as a leading platform for innovation and change within the sector and it delighted to be chosen as a finalist in the event.

The winner will be announced at the Gala Awards Ceremony on Thursday 29th April at Belfast City Hall, which will be hosted by Mark Mallet; UTV presenter and Nicky Kinnard; founder and Creative Director of Space NK.apothecary.

UCIT wishes all of the finalists the best of luck for the event.