Deadline for applications is now extended to : 1pm, Monday 7th October 2024
Rethink Ireland is delighted to offer places on its Start a Social Enterprise Business Autumn Course, now running for its third consecutive year. In partnership with IPB Insurance and the Department of Rural and Community Development via the Dormant Accounts Fund, Rethink Ireland will be inviting you to participate in this one of a kind, Start a Social Enterprise Business Course, as well as the chance to take your idea to the next level once the course is complete.
A key strategic objective for Rethink Ireland is to support social enterprises to grow, scale their operations, and deepen their social impact. We do this for social enterprises at all stages of growth. This course represents an innovative approach to developing and supporting grassroots social enterprise ideas in Ireland. It takes the social innovator’s emerging idea and gives them the tools to take it to the next stage. It is the launchpad and, importantly, a pathway to additional support. In turn, it supports a new generation of social enterprises to deliver social impact, create jobs, and tackle societal challenges.
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Social enterprises are organisations whose mission is to have a positive effect on society. They generate revenue through their products or services and reinvest their profits back into their social mission.
Social enterprises are innovating every day by inventing and developing solutions to Ireland’s most pressing social issues. They are creating jobs, supporting members of marginalised communities, and fostering community development. We believe there is a need to champion and invest in these social enterprises to allow them to expand their impact and spread their solutions throughout the country.
The Start a Social Enterprise Business Course is a FREE six-week course that covers the key areas to support you as you start your own successful social enterprise. This includes:
The course uses specialist training in business skills and social impact to achieve the following:
The course will be held online over six mornings plus one in-person day for up to fifty participants. The first day of the course will be Wednesday 23rd of October 2024. The sessions will run from 10 am until 1 pm with different industry experts each week. There will be an optional 30 minutes at the end of each session for participants and the Rethink team to discuss the content of the day and answer any additional questions or queries. The in-person day will take place at the end of the course, and will involve networking, workshops, and the chance for the group to connect in person.
You can apply for the Start a Social Enterprise Business Course via the online portal HERE. Please choose ‘ IPB Social Enterprise 2024’ under open funds when you apply. Applications are open from Monday 16th September until 1pm, Monday 7th October 2024.
Please contact businesscourse@rethinkireland.ie should you require further information.
This course will support an emerging social enterprise idea and give the participants the tools to take it to the next stage of development. The course will be aimed at:
Please note, that all ideas must have their main impact in the Republic of Ireland.
Applications are open from Monday 16th September until 1pm, Monday 7th October 2024. Applicants should complete a short application form. Based on this initial submission, Rethink Ireland will identify a shortlist of applicants based on the social enterprise idea/concept presented. All courses held since 2022 were oversubscribed so we are only accepting one application per organisation. All projects must be based and have their impact in Ireland.
Please note, only one person from any one organisation can attend the course at the same time.
You can apply for the Start a Social Enterprise Business Course via the online portal HERE. Please choose ‘ IPB Social Enterprise 2024’ under open funds when you apply.
Please contact businesscourse@rethinkireland.ie should you require further information.
Where will the course take place?
The course is almost fully remote and will take place via a Zoom link over 5 Wednesdays and one Thursday for the duration of the programme. We will have one in-person event at the end of the course.
Do I have to show any evidence of my social enterprise being up and running?
No, all we require at this stage is an idea for a social enterprise that aims to tackle a social issue.
Is there a cost to join the course?
There is no cost to join the course. Applicants will be shortlisted and chosen based on their idea’s potential for social impact.
How can I apply for the follow-up business and financial supports and Accelerator Programme award?
Details on how to apply for these awards will be shared after the course commences. Applicants will need to meet Rethink Ireland’s core criteria and additional social enterprise criteria.
By applying for the Start a Social Enterprise Business Course, you agree to the following terms and conditions: