Social & Economic Regeneration
Spearheading social and economic regeneration in Belfast
Innovation Factory’s primary aim is to facilitate Community Engagement and Social Regeneration in Belfast.
As well as making connections and introductions within our network, we also strive to support relationships with the neighbouring business communities to ensure they inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, boost the local economy, create employment opportunities, and encourage outside investment.
Through direct contributions from Innovation Factory customers, collaboration with partners, and alignment to key economic strategies and initiatives such as the Belfast Agenda, Belfast Region City Deal and the Northern Ireland Skills Strategy, we are dedicated to supporting a variety of interventions within the communities that are adjacent to Innovation Factory.
Beyond boundaries: building community cohesion
As the Innovation Factory is situated on what many people perceive as a “contested interface”, we are committed to playing a role in shaping Belfast by ensuring that our spaces and services meet the needs and ambitions of the local community and improve the quality of life now and for future generations.
This vision guides our commitment to supporting key activities and partnerships, including:
- Connecting young people with opportunities by highlighting the key sectors that help to drive the local economy.
- Helping local groups and businesses find opportunities for collaboration and referral.
- Providing dedicated time with our leadership team to support local initiatives
- Offering enhanced support to businesses from the West Belfast area.
Fostering the development of digital citizens by addressing skill gaps within our local community.
Social integration and community engagement
As a dynamic, inclusive community of entrepreneurs, we promote the ideals of equality and equal opportunity for all in space that brings businesses together to innovate, share and inspire.
We actively engage with the local community, through outreach support programmes, promoting work placements, and connecting with education and training providers. We aim to contribute to our wider community by:
- Promoting and raising awareness of placement opportunities in the Innovation Factory community
- Supporting local initiatives and partnerships with in-kind and funded sponsorship, such as the Aisling Bursaries & May Blood Bursaries.
- Encouraging a Social and Economic Regeneration ethos within our community, supporting with introductions and related activities.
Supporting social and economic regeneration in Belfast
The Centre highlights the collaborative efforts of Invest NI, Belfast City Council and Oxford Innovation, who are working in partnership to ensure our entrepreneurs have the support they need to develop their innovative business.
Innovation Factory emerged as part of Belfast City Council’s economic strategy. Investment in this project is symbolic of the Council’s commitment to delivering economic growth to West Belfast while delivering social value to local communities and businesses.
Opened on the former Mackies site, the project is funded by Belfast City Council through its investment programme (£9.1mil) Invest NI (£2.1mil) and the European Regional Development Fund, under the Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland (£4.5mil)
Connect and collaborate at our purpose-built workspace for the innovators of Belfast.