By Business & Finance 
Social Entrepreneurs Ireland has launched its nationwide search for people who have innovative ideas and new solutions to solve some of Ireland’s social and environmental problems.
The annual competition, now in its tenth year, has backed 169 social entrepreneurs to date and invested €5.4m 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.
Speaking at the official launch Taoiseach Enda Kenny praised Social Entrepreneurs Ireland for its work over the last 10 years: “Social Entrepreneurs Ireland is a dynamic, innovative organisation which empowers people from all over Ireland to make a real difference in their community and beyond. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank SEI for their contribution to Irish society over the last ten years and to encourage people to apply for the 2014 Awards.”
Sean Coughlan, CEO of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland said: “We are keen to attract entries and ideas from across Ireland and so for the first time we are taking a roadshow around the country to tell people more about the work that we do and how SEI can support their idea or project. Over the next month the roadshow will visit Waterford, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Longford and Belfast.”
Irish headquartered international company DCC plc, who has sponsored the awards ceremony for the last four years, are continuing with this sponsorship again this year. CEO of DCC Tommy Breen said: “We in DCC are proud to continue our support of the Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Awards. It is a great privilege to play a role in supporting Ireland’s brightest and most ambitious entrepreneurs working to have a positive impact on our society.”
Closing date for entries to the 2014 competition is 5pm on Monday, April 28th. Following a multi-stage review process, the winning nominees will be announced at a ceremony in November 2014. For an application form and more information about the roadshow please visit www.socialentrepreneurs.ie
