Applications invited to €600,000 Support Programme for social entrepreneurs

 
Social Entrepreneurs Ireland has launched their nationwide search for people who have innovative ideas and new solutions to solve some of Ireland’s social and environmental problems.

The annual competition, now in its tenth year, has backed 169 social entrepreneurs to date and invested €5.4 million in direct funding to projects in areas ranging from community and active citizenship, education and learning, environment and sustainability and mental and physical health.

Social Entrepreneurs Ireland is the country’s largest and most active funder of social entrepreneurship and is this year providing €420,000 in funding to nine social entrepreneurs. A further €180,000 worth of support will also be made available to successful applicants, ensuring that they are equipped to scale and grow their organisations in order to impact as many people as possible, as quickly as possible. 

Sean Coughlan, CEO of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, said: “At Social Entrepreneurs Ireland we recognise that good ideas to some of Ireland’s most entrenched social problems exists right around the country, and so we’re keen to attract entries and ideas from across Ireland. Over the next few weeks we hope to hear from as many social entrepreneurs as possible.”

Irish headquartered international company DCC plc, who has sponsored the awards ceremony for the last four years, are continuing with this sponsorship again this year. CEO of DCC Tommy Breen said: “We in DCC are proud to continue our support of the Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Awards. It is a great privilege to play a role in supporting Ireland’s brightest and most ambitious entrepreneurs working to have a positive impact on our society.”

Closing date for entries to the 2014 competition is 5pm on Monday, 28^th April. Following a multi-stage review process, the winning nominees will be announced at a ceremony in November 2014.  For full details on the Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Awards Programme, and to access the application form itself, please visit www.socialentrepreneurs.ie