Applications sought for enterprise fund

THE Social Enterprise Development Fund is now open for applications.

The fund consists of €1.6 million which will be delivered over two years. It was created by Social Innovation Fund Ireland (SIFI) in partnership with Local Authorities Ireland and Wicklow County Council and is funded by IPB Insurance and the Department of Rural and Community Development.

The fund will reward up to eight social enterprises per year, who will receive a cash grant of €50,000.

The awardees will come from a mix of urban, town and rural settings.

Awardees will also receive a place on SIFI’s Accelerator Programme, which is designed to help social enterprises grow their impact around Ireland. Additional places will be reserved for the most promising social enterprises across all Local Authorities.

SIFI have recruited John Evoy, founder of the Irish Men’s Sheds Association, as the Social Enterprise Development Manager.

The deadline for applications is Wednesday, March 28.