We’re delighted to announce that Community Enterprise Association Ireland (CEAI) is the new name for our organisation, which represents a network of 270+ Enterprise Ireland funded community enterprise centres, co-working locations and flexible working spaces across the Republic of Ireland.

Previously known as NACEC (the National Association for Community Enterprise Centres), we are a Government funded organisation who work closely with Enterprise Ireland to drive real innovation and entrepreneurship across local communities and regions.

We’re also proud to say that as an established and respected voice of the remote and flexible working communities, we confidently represent each local enterprise centre and hub at national government level so that all new government strategies, policies and funding programmes are designed to take the needs and ambition of each community and region into account.

Currently, the Community Enterprise Association Ireland:

• Represents 270+ locations nationwide which, between them, offer 10,000+ co-working and incubation spaces
• Supports 1,800 businesses across the member network
• Supports 5,500+ jobs across a range of SMEs, start-ups and multinationals in the public and private sectors

All members have access to a range of services and supports including networking, mentoring, training and learning programmes, independent advice and guidance and thought leadership and insights.

As part of the recently announced QHubs, a new National Quality Standard for Ireland’s enterprise hub, co-working and remote working sector we are working with our member network to raise the overall quality, environmental and innovation performance of the flexible work space sector, ensuring the national network continues to support the realisation of a sustainable and balanced regional development model for Ireland

Building international alliances is also a key goal for us, with a strong focus on EU project participation and the establishment of partnerships and Memorandums of Understanding with strategically aligned international organisations. This ensures CEAI members will learn from and grow with the best – so that each local community can thrive.

Siobhan Finn, National Network Manager of Community Enterprise Association Ireland, says the new name reflects our focus on putting enterprise and people at the heart of the community:

“Put simply, our new name offers a better explanation of what we do as an organisation. We will focus on continuing to provide excellence in the sector and working with our network to positively influence economic growth, prosperity and investment opportunities in their local communities nationwide.

Our members are located right across the regions – from dedicated community enterprise centres in rural towns and villages throughout Ireland to larger hybrid working spaces in urban locations nationwide. Through enterprise development, innovation and collaboration, they create jobs, investment opportunities and sustained economic growth for the wider local economy. We are there to support them in everything they do, offering access to a range of services and supports and ensuring their voice is heard in all the right places as the world of remote working goes from strength to strength.”

Mark Christal, Manager, Regions and Entrepreneurship, with Enterprise Ireland said:

“This is an exciting time for enterprise centres and the co-working ecosystem. New ways of working and new opportunities to start and scale a business have emerged, particularly over the past 18 months. Therefore, it is timely that the organisation representing the sector rebrands now, with a clear identity and vision for what it wants to achieve.  Enterprise Ireland looks forward to working closely with the Community Enterprise Association Ireland as we continue to promote regional employment and entrepreneurship.”

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