Cash grants available for Cork companies and community groups

The RISE Community Fund supported by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) and Granahan McCourt has announced that applications for its grants to small businesses, farms, community groups and social enterprises are open throughout May in County Cork.

Established by Granahan McCourt and NBI Chairman, David McCourt, RISE is providing monthly grants across the country to give an immediate cash injection into local communities seeking to boost their digital ecosystems. Awarding up to five grants of €1,000 in May to successful applicants across the county, the RISE Community Fund is hoping to empower people’s plans to use technology.

Small businesses, farms, community groups and social enterprises with plans to use technology to scale their operations and bring tangible benefits to their local communities are encouraged to apply.

Commenting on the initiative, Peter Hendrick, CEO of NBI, said: “At NBI, we’re on a mission to connect over 1.1 million people in rural Ireland who don’t have access to high-speed broadband to a worldclass, superfast network. Whilst connectivity is a vital utility and a critical first step, it alone can’t solve all of the challenges for businesses, farms, community groups and social enterprises trying to expand the positive impact they’re able to have - both to the local community, and to the wider economy. That’s why we’re incredibly excited to engage local communities with the RISE Community Fund and celebrate innovative uses of technology across Cork.”

‘EASY’ APPLICATION

Applications for the cash grants open on 1st May and close on 31st May. “The application process has been made incredibly quick and easy, and successful applicants will be notified by early June, with money following in quick succession. We can’t wait to see the entrepreneurial ideas from Cork,” said Orla O’Malley, Programme Director at RISE.

NBI is also reminding Cork residents to also visit their website at www.nbi.ie to check whether their home, farm or business is included in the National Broadband Plan and to sign up for Eircode specific updates on the rollout.

For entry forms and guidelines and to read more about the RISE Community Fund, visit www.riseglobalfoundation.com

National Broadband Ireland Chief Marketing Officer, Tara Collins, along with Chair, David McCourt and Chief Executive Officer, Peter Hendrick pictured with Minister for Rural & Community Development, Heather Humphreys promoting the RISE Community Fund.