The benefits of social enterprise were highlighted to an enthusiastic group of participants at the recent Social Enterprise Training Programme, which took place in both an in-person and online capacity throughout February and March.
The initiative was run by Laois Partnership Company through the Rural Development (LEADER) Programme 2023-2027 and was the first of its nature for the county of Laois. The course was delivered by Marie Manning and her colleague Melanie Boylan from Stomp, who imparted thought-provoking advice on the challenges and rewards of operating a social enterprise.
A social enterprise is a business run by volunteers, where all traded income is reinvested in sustaining and developing the business, with a product or service provided that is a response to a local social need.
Liam Ramsbottom, Community Development Officer with the SICAP programme, was key to generating interest and providing many of the contacts who attended the course. Liam, who was involved in the successful social enterprise taster event held in the autumn of 2024, also participated in the design of the programme, along with Rural Development Programmes Manager, Brian Kelly, Rural Development Programmers Project Officer, Brian Killian, and Social Inclusion Programmes Manager, Peter Ormonde.
Guest speakers on the day were Mark Clancy of the Local Enterprise Office, who highlighted potential supports for social enterprises through LEO; Martina O’Moore of Clann Credo, who highlighted some of the key governance and background information which is important for social enterprises to have correct and in place in advance of applying for grant funding or loans; Brian Kelly of Laois Partnership Company, who spoke of the variety of programmes run by Laois Partnership Company and gave attendees a great understanding of the many initiatives that the company is currently supporting; and Brian Killian, who highlighted the types of projects that social enterprises could apply for under the LEADER programme.
The final session was hosted by Bloom HQ in Mountrath, where Martin Meade gave participants a good understanding of how Bloom HQ came about, as well as outlining future plans and leading a very interesting tour of the great facilities.
Learn more about the Social Enterprise programme run by Laois Partnership Company, or contact [email protected]