Social entrepreneurs

Invest Northern Ireland recognises the important role the social economy has to play in developing the wealth of Northern Ireland.

If you are thinking of setting up a social enterprise to address a community need you can get help through our Social Entrepreneurship Programme.

The programme, funded by the European Union through its Peace and Reconciliation Programme, has four main strands:

Lead-in capability support

This is mentoring support for groups without a clearly identified business start-up idea, or for groups that need initial capacity building to help develop their idea for a business.

Core capability support

This is a package of assistance to help groups develop their business plan, a £5,000 contribution to start-up costs, start-up capability mentoring and aftercare during the first year of trading.

Post-start strategic mentoring

Strategic and functional advice specific to the business needs of the group but typically covering key areas such as strategic business planning, financial planning, market research and e-business.

Mentoring support for transitional groups

Advice and support for transitional voluntary and community sector groups or emerging social enterprises that are seeking to move from the voluntary and community sector into the social economy sector.

Please note that the programme is currently closed to new applications. For futher information:-

Contact

Catherine O'Neill
T: 028 9069 8157
E: catherine.oneill@investni.com

Go for It helpdesk
T: 0808 127 0000