Members of Inch Island Community Enteprises recently received certificates in recognition of their successful completion of the netWORKS Cross Border Community Enterprise Programme.

The year-long programme saw the participation of 13 social enterprises from Northern Ireland and the border counties which were afforded access to free business mentorship and training for their projects.

The Inch group is a community association working to regenerate the island of Inch by identifying and developing the necessary resources, services, and facilities to meet the needs of all its residents and visitors.

One other organisation from Donegal also completed the programme - Abbey Centre Trust, Ballyshannon, which was involved in the extensive redevelopment of the old Abbey cinema.

The organisations were awarded their certificates during a closing residential for the programme which took place in the Glenavon Hotel, Cookstown.

As well as receiving access to business mentorship and training with the aim of increasing the sustainability of their vital community services, all participants have built up strong relationships with like minded community enterprises on either side of the border.

Belfast event

The netWORKS programme culminates on Tuesday June 10 with the first ever All-Island Social Enterprise Trade Show which will be held in St.George's Market, Belfast.

The event entitled "netWORKS 2008", will bring together 100 of the most successful community enterprises from across Ireland.

The event is aimed at increasing trade and networking opportunities for this increasingly important sector.

The event will also be open to the general public and will feature a food court, cookery demonstrations, entertainment and a host of other different products and services that social enterprises can provide locally.