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The Nancy Ward Circular Economy – Dublin City Social Enterprise Award, proudly launched in March 2024, is a new special recognition award as part of the Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards. The award is sponsored by The Entrepreneurs Academy, to honour our dear colleague and friend, Nancy Ward, who sadly passed away in April 2023. Nancy was a born social entrepreneur, she was the founder of a circular fashion social enterprise, and an extremely passionate advocate for entrepreneur education and development. She was a truly dynamic woman and had a long history of working for amongst other organisations, The Irish Heart Foundation and The American Cancer Society. She was a fundraising expert and a phenomenal educator. Nancy directly supported hundreds of social enterprises through her role with The Entrepreneurs Academy, and has left a significant impact on social enterprise as a result. In a last conversation our CEO Lorraine had with Nancy before she passed, she asked her what she thought of the idea of a Social Enterprise award in her name and her words were “That would be so cool”. We will be forever grateful that both she, and her family, have given permission for us to continue her impact on Social Impact in a way we know fits with how she lived life.
And so, in Nancy’s name with this annual memorial award, The Entrepreneurs Academy team are wholeheartedly committed to nurturing the development of the social enterprise recipient through financial support of €5,000 and a comprehensive package of mentoring support delivered by our team of topic experts across entrepreneurship, leadership and enterprise strategic growth.
The Nancy Ward Circular Economy – Dublin City Social Enterprise Award will allow The Entrepreneurs Academy to continue Nancy’s impact on social enterprise in a way that fits with how she lived life – giving, sharing and educating.
The Award is one of Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards which aim to support social enterprise creation and development in Dublin City. The awards were established by Inner City Enterprise (ICE) and Dublin City Council with the support of the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Dublin City in 2015.
Interested Social Entrepreneurs should follow the link to the ICE website where all eligibility requirements and application details are listed:
Born and raised in Ohio, USA, Nancy found her true home in Loughlinstown, Co. Dublin, where she embraced the community with open arms. As a devoted wife to Finbarr and an adoring mother to Tadgh, Nancy’s warmth, compassion, and love radiated to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She was a steadfast confidant and dear friend to Nina, a supportive sister to Robert and Vicki, and a beloved member of her extended family.Nancy’s impact at The Entrepreneurs Academy was nothing short of monumental. Nancy’s boundless generosity, empathy, and unwavering commitment to making a difference were evident in every project she undertook and every relationship she built.
As an integral part of our senior management team, Nancy’s exceptional passion, leadership, and enormous heart made her irreplaceable. Her relentless pursuit of meaningful impact and steadfast integrity earned her the immense respect and admiration of colleagues, clients, and the countless small businesses and social enterprises she tirelessly advocated for. We will forever treasure Nancy’s friendship and the profound influence she had on our organisation and its mission.Rest in peace, Nancy. Your spirit, passion, and enduring legacy will forever be remembered and cherished.
