Social enterprise training for free
A NEW local project called SEED will be providing free training in setting up and running social enterprises.
The training will take place from February to June 2020. This is for existing social enterprises, or individuals or community groups interested in setting up a social enterprise to benefit the community or the environment.
SEED stands for Social Enterprise Expansion and Development. The SEED project aims to build a more vibrant and sustainable Social Enterprise sector and help groups build their capacity to trade successfully.
The project is a collaboration between Bray Area Partnership and Southside Partnership and covers the Bray and Greystones Municipal District and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown areas.
A social enterprise is a business that trades in order to provide goods and services in the community, tackle problems in society and address environmental issues.
Profits generated from trading are reinvested back into the business or local community.
Examples of social enterprises could be a community café or shop, a recycling or up-cycling project or a workshop creating products for sale – perhaps providing training or employment for marginalised groups.
A Social Enterprise is an enterprise whose objective is to achieve a social, societal or environmental impact, rather than maximising profit for its owners of shareholders.
It pursues its objectives by trading on an ongoing basis through the provision of goods and/or services, and by reinvesting surpluses into achieving social objectives.
It is governed in a fully accountable and transparent manner and is independent of the public sector. If dissolved, it should transfer its assets to another organisation with a similar mission. A new social enterprise strategy for County Wicklow was launched at a community gathering in Lacken, Blessington last March..
Contact Eithne Gunning on 01 286 8266 at Bray Area Partnership to find out more and discuss your training and support needs.