Some of the Welsh valleys’ most innovative social enterprises are to be recognised for their achievements by a regeneration programme which has helped them to succeed.

The EU-funded South East Wales Community Economic Development programme, which comes to an end in August 2015 after five years, will be rewarding the cream of the region’s community organisations at the new EPIC (Enterprising People in Communities) awards next March.

Supported by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government and run by a Valleys local authorities’ consortium of Merthyr Tydfil, Bridgend, Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Torfaen, SEWCED has invested £7.3m in 106 social enterprises since it began in 2010, helping to create 22 social enterprises and 110 full-time jobs.

The projects judged to have made the most significant impact will receive their awards at a presentation dinner at the Vale Resort, Vale of Glamorgan on March 27, compered by BBC TV and radio personality Roy Noble.

There are six award categories:

• Large Social Enterprise (10 or more employees)

• Small Social Enterprise (fewer than 10 employees)

• Innovation (for enterprises showing development of new services and products meeting the changing needs the local community; finding new solutions to existing community problems/ entering new markets)

• Social Entrepreneur

• Women in Enterprise

• New Enterprise (one created through SEWCED support)

• SEWCED Social Enterprise 2010-2015 (best overall, chosen by awards judges)

Programme manager Ian Evans said: “SEWCED-funded projects are not only enhancing the quality of life for local residents, they’re also supporting local economic activity, while achieving the aims of their own business plans in proving to be sustainable ventures.

“We’re very proud of our social enterprises, and want to show our appreciation by making awards to celebrate their success.”

Application forms are available to download at www.instantflipbook.com/flipbooks/6f5b9356d1/ and must be returned by Monday, December 15, 2014.

Some sponsorship opportunities are still available for local businesses wishing to be aligned with an initiative helping to breathe new life in to the Valleys. For further information, please contact Sharon Peters on 01443 866397, email peters@caerphilly.gov.uk

A shortlist of potential winners will be announced at a launch event at the Welsh Government’s Senedd building on February 4.