LAST CALL FOR TIPPERARY SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS
Social Entrepreneurs Ireland (SEI) who recently launched their 2013 Awards programme, sponsored by DCC plc, are urging Tipperary’s brightest and most ambitious entrepreneurs to log onto www.socialentrepreneurs.ie and apply for funding by Monday February 18th. Applications have already exceeded 2012 levels when SEI received just one application from Tipperary entrepreneurs with game changing ideas to solve the social problems facing Ireland. Hopes are that 2013 will see an increase in applications for funding from the county.
This year Social Entrepreneurs Ireland will provide €500,000 in funding to eight social entrepreneurs as well as a further €250,000 in professional consultation and support ensuring they are equipped to scale and grow their businesses in order to impact as many people as possible, as quickly as possible.
Three Social Entrepreneurs will be awarded the top level “Impact Award” and €130,000 in direct funding with over €70,000 worth of support over two years. A further five will receive the “Elevator Award” and €22,000 in direct funding with over €10,000 worth of support over one year.
The application phase is the start of an intensive eight month consultation and engagement process to boost and encourage positive change in Ireland. The selection process will include a “Bootcamp” in March where shortlisted candidates will pitch their ideas to change Ireland leading to interviews from which eight finalists will be chosen. The finalists will then embark on a three month finalist programme receiving partial funding upfront and ongoing professional consultation before the announcement of the 2013 Award Winners in October.
Over the last seven years SEI has supported 161 social entrepreneurs, investing €4.9 million in their projects, and provided significant additional supports. These in turn have directly impacted over 200,000 people across Ireland and created over 800 employment opportunities in the process.
2012 Impact Winner and founder of Neuro Hero, Aviva Cohen, whose organisation tackles the issue of social isolation experienced by those suffering from communications disabilities and their families, commented on the impact Social Entrepreneurs Ireland has had on her organisation:
“It could have taken years to achieve our goals, but now we are exceeding every ambition and meeting every challenge with energy and enthusiasm.”
Seán Coughlan, CEO Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, said:
“The application process is a hugely exciting one for us as we get a snapshot into the lives of Ireland’s most innovative entrepreneurs all focused on changing Ireland for the better. In previous years we have been bombarded with game changing solutions in every stage of development from a scribble on a note pad to an established organisation looking to diversify. There is still time to take part in the 2013 Awards process and I urge those seeking to change Ireland to get their applications in and become part of the SEI family.”
Tommy Breen, Chief Executive of DCC commented:
DCC is proud to continue our association with Social Entrepreneurs Ireland. It is both a privilege and an inspiration to be involved. We urge people with ideas to seize the moment and take a step towards changing Ireland for the better.
Applications for the 2013 Awards Programme must be made online at www.socialentrepreneurs.ie where full details on the application process, eligibility criteria and Awards Programmes can be found.
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Sunday 19 May 2013
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