Údarás establishes Social Enterprise Scheme to look beyond COVID-19 as offices and digital hubs close to public
GAELTACHT development agency Údarás na Gaeltachta has established a Social Enterprise Programme that will support a network of Gaeltacht community development organisations beyond the current COVID-19 crisis.
Meanwhile, the public offices of Údarás na Gaeltachta have been closed since Monday of this week and wll remain shut until further notice, following the direction issued by the Government but the development agency continues to offer all its servicces via phone, email and online.
The gTeic digital hub offices located in Gaeltacht areas, including the gTeic hub in Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh, are closed to visitor and the public.
In the case of companies or remote workers operating in a gteic hub, whose work is identified as essential work in the Government guidance, special individual arrangements will be made for the use of the facility with that organisation/ company/user.
It is necessary to contact Údarás na Gaeltachta or the management of the local gteic beforehand to make such an arrangement. The use of gteic facilities is subject to social distancing policies which must be strictly implemented by all users.
According to Ronán Mac an Iomaire, the Údarás’ Regional Development Director, it was important to look ahead ‘with hope and make arrangements for a time that will be more positive and a time when the Gaeltacht will be able to reap the benefits of the development of social enterprise in particular’.
“It is in the current uncertain times that the value of our Gaeltacht community development network shines through and this programme will add significantly to their skills and the opportunities that will exist for communities to benefit from Social Enterprise.
There could be opportunities here also for trainers and mentors with the appropriate expertise who may be under pressure at the present due to the current crisis.”
The Gaeltacht Social Enterprise Programme (G-SEP) is a social enterprise training and mentoring programme that will serve a network of community development organisations in the Gaeltacht.
This bespoke and flexible programme will look to increase business development skills, explore new trading opportunities, build networks and explore areas of potential social enterprise growth in 2020.
A panel of experts is being compiled by Údarás na Gaeltachta to give function to the Gaeltacht Social Enterprise Programme and who will be capable of delivering training and mentorship to participating community development organisations in order to develop said Gaeltacht Social Enterprise Programme.
The organisation is welcoming applications from experienced trainers and mentors who wish to express an interest in the panel and to use their skills and experience to support social enterprises and community development organisations in the Gaeltacht.
The deadline for expressions of interest is 7 April 2020 and further information can be received from Údarás na Gaeltachta’s website, www.udaras.ie.
The agency has also repurposed its Brexit Preparedness Grant which offers up to €5,000 to companies encountering difficulties in terms of trade and operations due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
If you’re interested in finding out more about this package you should contact Údaráß’s business development team.