Financial News

€600,000 funding to be provided to entrepreneurs by SEI

By Business & Finance
07 March 2016
Social Entrepreneurs Ireland
Pictured (L-R): Tommy Breen, CEO of DCC plc; Josh Garvey, a beneficiary of the services of former SEI Elevator Blossom Ireland; and Darren Ryan, CEO of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland

Social Entrepreneurs Ireland (SEI) has today launched its 2016 Awards programme, looking for applications from ambitious individuals with big ideas and the energy to address social problems on the island of Ireland.

The programme, which is supported by DCC plc as flagship sponsor, will provide a total of €600,000 in development funding and support to nine social entrepreneurs to accelerate the progression of their social ventures.

This will bring the total funding provided by SEI to over €6.5m to date.

Previous recipients have tackled a wide range of social issues from adult education and the provision of emergency services in rural areas to voter engagement and food waste. Former winners include CoderDojo, FoodCloud, Pieta House and Smartvote.

Darren Ryan, chief executive, Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, commented: “Just as entrepreneurs can drive change in business, social entrepreneurs can bring about real change in society. This year we are calling on people all around Ireland to consider if their big idea has the potential to change Ireland. If so, we want to hear from them.”

It was recently announced that DCC plc would be renewing its commitment to SEI for an additional four years and will increase its financial support to €700,000 over this time.

Tommy Breen, CEO of DCC plc, said: “We strongly believe in the work carried out by Social Entrepreneurs Ireland and we’re delighted to be supporting their Awards programme again this year. It is a great privilege to play a role in assisting Ireland’s brightest and most ambitious entrepreneurs who are dedicated to making a positive impact on our society.”