Start a Social Enterprise Business Course 2023
Course application is now closed.
Rethink Ireland is offering places on a first of its kind Start a Social Enterprise Business Course, running for its second year in 2023. The Social Enterprise Development Fund 2023, in partnership with IPB Insurance and the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Dormant Accounts Fund, provides the opportunity to participate in a Start a Social Enterprise Business Course, as well as the chance to receive a €10,000 Award.
This Business Course represents an innovative approach to developing and supporting grass root social enterprise ideas in Ireland. The course takes the social innovator’s emerging idea and gives them the tools to take the idea to the next stage. It is the launchpad for the idea and also, importantly, a pathway to additional supports. In turn, it supports a new generation of social enterprises to deliver social impact, create jobs and tackle societal challenges.
Who is the course for?
This course will take an emerging idea and give the participants the tools to take the idea to the next stage of development. The course will be aimed at:
- Idea stage social enterprises (vague ideas included; teasing them out will be part of the course)
- Unincorporated individuals or groups undertaking work at a local level
- Staff within organisations who want to explore the establishment of a social enterprise within their organisation
What are the outcomes of the course?
The course will use specialist training in business skills and social impact to achieve the following:
- Increase the knowledge on the steps to starting a social enterprise
- Provide a clear pathway to the development of a social enterprise
- Build the skills of participants to support them to take their idea to the next level
- Support the growth of the social economy in Ireland
- Increase the sustainability of start up social enterprises
- Provide a potential route to participants onto other funds
- Raise awareness among innovators of the benefit of the social economy
- Increase the skills and knowledge within the sector
- Be the basis of a network of start up social enterprises
Upon completion of the course, participants will be invited to apply for the chance of receiving a cash grant and a business support budget. This round of the course offers up to 6 participants the opportunity to pitch for an awards package worth €10,000.
- Cash grant of €7,500
- A Business Support budget worth €2,500
Where and when will the course take place?
The business course will be held online over six mornings with one in person day and run twice during 2023 for up to 50 participants on each course. The first day of the course will be 22nd March 2023 and will subsequently take place on the following 5 Wednesday mornings. The in person day will take place at the end of the course with a date TBC.
How can you apply for the Course?
Applications opened from 1st February to 1st March 2023, and are now closed.
Please contact businesscourse@rethinkireland.ie should you require further information.
