The Social Enterprise Development Fund Showcase Event was launched in Dublin today.
The €1.6m Social Enterprise Development Fund was set up last year by Social Innovation Fund Ireland and Local Authorities Ireland. Over two years it will provide funding and supports to social enterprises from across the country.
The fund is financed by the Department of Rural and Community Development from the Dormant Accounts and IPB Insurance.
The eight social enterprises who received funding in 2018 showcased just how much impact this fund has had on their inspiring projects. These enterprises are proactively tackling some of the biggest social issues facing Irish society including homelessness, mental health, social inclusion and obesity.
Each social enterprise has expanded their impact as a direct result of the funding from the Social Enterprise Development Fund and participation in Social Innovation Fund Ireland’s Accelerator programme.
Speaking today, CEO of Social Innovation Fund Ireland, Deirdre Mortell said, "It’s fantastic to see just how far each of our Awardees have come in such a short space of them and the impact they’re having on their communities through their incredible work. Imagine a social enterprise employing 4 or 5 people in every one of the 1,000 towns and villages in Ireland - small changes create viable sustainable communities."
Here are some highlights from the social enterprises who took part in the first year of the Social Enterprise Development Fund:
● The Shona Project developed online modules which are being piloted in four schools with positive feedback. The also held their first “Rise” conference in Waterford with 350 TY girls hearing from several inspirational women.
● O’Cualann Co-housing Alliance has received planning permission and notice of the disposal of land from Dublin City Council where they will build 39 affordable housing units.
● MyMind which provides affordable and accessible mental health services opened their 5th centre in Dublin 8 and had over 200 counselling sessions in the first month.
● Sensational Kids has opened their second centre in Clonakilty in County Cork and has held over 100 therapy (speech and language therapy, occupational therapy & play therapy) appointments in their first 6 weeks. They also received planning permission for their third centre in Claremorris in Mayo.
● Social Farming Ireland continued their growth and hosted 300 participants on 80 farms in 25 counties in Ireland.
● Sailing into Wellness positively impacted on the lives of 118 recovery clients. Through the support of the Social Enterprise Development Fund, that number is set to more than double in 2019.
● GROWBox has had a successful launch, with over 500 families starting to grow their own food and an appearance on The Late Late Toy Show.
● Meals4Health has formulated a viable business strategy and has launched a unique service – producing and delivering fresh ready meals directly to older people at home – the first service of its kind in Ireland.
Source: www.businessworld.ie
