Menu
26/09/2022
New Belfast Social-Enterprise Fund Announced
Belfast City Council has announced a new Social Economy Incentive fund offering up to £10k per successful applicant has opened to incentivise and boost Belfast-based social enterprises and co-operatives.
The competitive fund is specifically for new and growing social enterprises and co-operatives in need of support to help them start trading in the next six months, or in early growth stages.
Chair of Belfast City Council's City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Councillor Ryan Murphy explains: "This new Social Incentive fund is all about giving an injection of cash to support our social enterprises at the crucial start-up, early development and early growth stages, when they can face the most challenges in accessing capital.
"Our funding will cover set up costs, equipment to help achieve growth, staff skills development and specialist support – so long as it's not provided under other programmes. We've made a commitment in the Belfast Agenda to make it as easy as possible to do business in the city, because a thriving and prosperous inclusive economy will be the engine of change for Belfast. With this new fund, we're addressing a key barrier to start-up or early-stage growth – lack of capital."
The deadline for online applications is 5pm on Thursday October 20.
As part of Social Enterprise and Global Entrepreneurship Week, shortlisted organisations will be invited to make a five-minute pitch on November 11 to a judging panel of local social enterprise stakeholders, outlining the social value and impact the award would have on their organisation and beneficiaries. Eight winners will be selected to receive a grant ranging from £1K-10K.
The competitive fund is specifically for new and growing social enterprises and co-operatives in need of support to help them start trading in the next six months, or in early growth stages.
Chair of Belfast City Council's City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Councillor Ryan Murphy explains: "This new Social Incentive fund is all about giving an injection of cash to support our social enterprises at the crucial start-up, early development and early growth stages, when they can face the most challenges in accessing capital.
"Our funding will cover set up costs, equipment to help achieve growth, staff skills development and specialist support – so long as it's not provided under other programmes. We've made a commitment in the Belfast Agenda to make it as easy as possible to do business in the city, because a thriving and prosperous inclusive economy will be the engine of change for Belfast. With this new fund, we're addressing a key barrier to start-up or early-stage growth – lack of capital."
The deadline for online applications is 5pm on Thursday October 20.
As part of Social Enterprise and Global Entrepreneurship Week, shortlisted organisations will be invited to make a five-minute pitch on November 11 to a judging panel of local social enterprise stakeholders, outlining the social value and impact the award would have on their organisation and beneficiaries. Eight winners will be selected to receive a grant ranging from £1K-10K.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 April 2002
Dodds announces extra help for “most needy" in society
The Minister for Social Development, Nigel Dodds, has announced a further £1.73 million cash injection for the Northern Ireland Social fund. The increase brings the Social Fund, which helps the most needy people in society up to a total to £51 million for the next year.
Dodds announces extra help for “most needy" in society
The Minister for Social Development, Nigel Dodds, has announced a further £1.73 million cash injection for the Northern Ireland Social fund. The increase brings the Social Fund, which helps the most needy people in society up to a total to £51 million for the next year.
16 October 2007
EU-Cash Aims To Boost NI Labour Market
A package of projects aimed at helping people into sustainable employment prospects has been highlighted at the NI Assembly, with a view to addressing the needs of those most disadvantaged in the labour market.
EU-Cash Aims To Boost NI Labour Market
A package of projects aimed at helping people into sustainable employment prospects has been highlighted at the NI Assembly, with a view to addressing the needs of those most disadvantaged in the labour market.
20 September 2010
Foster Welcomes Investment in Society
A significant boost for NI's 'social economy' has been warmly welcomed by a Stormont Executive Minister. Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said that the partnership that is offering social enterprises in Northern Ireland access to a £10m investment fund was good news.
Foster Welcomes Investment in Society
A significant boost for NI's 'social economy' has been warmly welcomed by a Stormont Executive Minister. Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said that the partnership that is offering social enterprises in Northern Ireland access to a £10m investment fund was good news.
28 March 2023
EU Social Fund Organisations 'Facing A Cliff-Edge' – SF
Time is running out for groups funded by the European Social Fund who face a cliff-edge at the end of this week, Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has said.
EU Social Fund Organisations 'Facing A Cliff-Edge' – SF
Time is running out for groups funded by the European Social Fund who face a cliff-edge at the end of this week, Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has said.
23 June 2009
Social Enterprise Gets Stormont Support
A new £2.5million support programme for social enterprises has been announced this week.
Social Enterprise Gets Stormont Support
A new £2.5million support programme for social enterprises has been announced this week.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
