LARGEST EVER FUND FOR SOCIAL ENTERPRISES

In 2018, IPB partnered with Rethink Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development to deliver the largest ever fund for Irish social enterprises. The Social Enterprise Development Fund (SED) is a €4.4m Fund operating over six years, and was created in partnership with Local Authorities Ireland, supported by their Local Enterprise Office network. The programme is cofunded by IPB and the Dormant Accounts Fund. The SED Fund provides critical support to the most innovative and impactful social enterprises across Ireland, helping to bolster their social impact, increase their traded income, create more jobs and develop long-term, effective and sustainable solutions. Now in its fifth year, the Fund has supported 40 enterprises that have delivered services to over 250,000 people, creating 191 local jobs. Besides the monetary awards, the SED Fund has provided non-financial support to over 100 social enterprises, including strategy and development business advisory and financial planning. The SED Fund has supported organisations working on issues including the underemployment of people with a disability, the lack of accessible and affordable mental health supports, and the need to reduce waste in society.