Selnet’s 20th Anniversary and Awards Celebration

Start-ups

New Social Enterprise of the Year

This award recognises a newly established social enterprise in Lancashire that demonstrates exceptional promise, notable early achievements, and a strong commitment to creating social or environmental impact. It celebrates emerging organisations already making a difference and positioned for future growth. The judges will consider your social mission, why you started up and what you have achieved.

For social enterprises formally established and trading between 12 months and 3 years.

Up to 30 employees

Small Social Enterprise of the Year

This category is for social enterprises with up to 30 employees. Though small in size, these organisations represent the beating heart of Lancashire’s social enterprise sector, delivering outstanding impact. Share your ethos, highlight your team’s skills and experience, and showcase the ways you support society to impress the judges.

Emerging

Social Enterprise Rising Star

Celebrating fresh talent and innovation, this award recognises an emerging social enterprise or an individual whose early leadership shines. The winner will exemplify passion, vision, and achievements that point to a powerful future influence across Lancashire’s social enterprise landscape

Engagement 

Community Impact Award

This award celebrates a social enterprise that has delivered exceptional, measurable, and lasting benefits to communities across Lancashire – whether through wellbeing, inclusion, or contributions to the local economy. The winner will exemplify strong community engagement, demonstrable positive change, and a commitment to enhancing wellbeing, resilience, and opportunity.

Dedication

Unsung Hero Award

This award shines a spotlight on individuals whose tireless dedication, kindness, and hard work have made a remarkable difference in Lancashire’s social enterprise community. It honours those who, without seeking recognition, consistently go above and beyond to help others thrive.

Commitment

Volunteer of the Year

Celebrating the power of volunteering in action, this award honours individuals whose dedication, passion, and contribution make a profound difference within Lancashire’s social enterprise sector. It highlights those who consistently exceed expectations, live out social enterprise values, and help build stronger, more resilient communities.

Innovation

Tech for Good Award

The Tech for Good award recognises a social enterprise harnessing technology in innovative, effective, and ethical ways to drive positive social or environmental change. Eligible approaches may include digital tools, software, data systems, assistive technologies, apps, platforms, devices, or any tech‑enabled solution that enhances lives and strengthens communities across Lancashire.

Commercial

Trading for Good Award

This award recognises a social enterprise that excels in trading, harnessing commercial activity to deliver meaningful social or environmental impact. The winner will demonstrate strong values, sustainability, and a commitment to community benefit across Lancashire. It celebrates organisations that embody the essence of social enterprise – “trading for good.”

Cooperation

Collaboration & Partnerships across public services Award

To recognise a social enterprise that has achieved exceptional impact through effective collaboration with public sector partners. It celebrates innovative, mutually beneficial partnerships that enhance public services, improve community outcomes, and highlight the vital role of social enterprises as key delivery partners in Lancashire.

Catalyst

Leadership in Social Enterprise

Celebrating outstanding leadership, this award highlights individuals whose vision, values, and impact set them apart. Whether a CEO, founder, or manager, the winner will be someone whose guidance inspires others, empowers their organisation, and contributes to lasting social or environmental change.

Long-Term Contribution

20 Years a Social Enterprise Champion Award

Marking this special anniversary, the award honours an individual whose dedication over the past two decades has transformed Lancashire’s social enterprise landscape. It celebrates champions who have built resilience, inspired countless others, and driven lasting positive change – those whose vision and commitment have truly shaped the sector.

The Big One

Lancashire’s Social Enterprise of the Year

To recognise a long‑established Lancashire social enterprise that has demonstrated exceptional and sustained impact over 10 to 20 years. It honours organisations that have consistently delivered on their mission, strengthened communities, shown resilience and innovation, and made a significant contribution to the growth of Lancashire’s social enterprise sector.

This award represents the highest organisational honour of the event.