Social Entrepreneurs Ireland has announced their nationwide search for people who have progressive ideas and new solutions to solve some of Ireland’s social and environmental problems.
The annual competition, now in its 10th year, has backed 169 social entrepreneurs to date and invested €5.4 million in direct funding to projects in areas ranging from community and active citizenship, education and learning, environment and sustainability, and mental and physical health.
Social Entrepreneurs Ireland is the country’s largest and most active funder of social entrepreneurship and is this year providing €420,000 in funding to nine social entrepreneurs. A further €180,000 worth of support will also be made available to successful applicants, ensuring that they are equipped to scale and grow their organisations in order to impact as many people as possible, as quickly as possible.
Encouraging the people of Westmeath to apply for the funding, local TD Robert Troy said “As we continue to develop in a social age, social entrepreneurs are becoming more prevalent and vital to the Irish economy. We have seen the ‘good ideas’ of some of Ireland’s most entrenched social problems arise from independent entrepreneurs around the country, so I am encouraging any interested social entrepreneur to apply for funding and showcase what the midlands has to offer. Social entrepreneurs Ireland are inviting ideas and applications from as many Westmeath social entrepreneurs as possible.”
Closing date for entries to the 2014 competition is 5pm on Monday April 28. For more information log on to www.socialentrepreneurs.ie
