This page is devoted to Social Enterprise Longford - SEL, a pioneering new programme to promote community development and jobs in Longford, through social enterprise.
Have a look around the other parts of this website to see what’s happening around Ireland and learn about SocialEnterprise.ie, which provides a space where people and organisations interested in social enterprise in Ireland can network, collaborate and share information and experiences.
Business Planning for Social Enterprises
EDI Centre, Longford on Thursday May 17th next, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.
If you have an idea that might help create community based jobs and services in Longford then you are invited to a get an understanding of Business Planning from two of the country's leading experts, Ann Clarke and Frank Roche.
Frank is professor of entrepreneurship at Smurfit Business School and also works as a consultant in strategic planning for organisations and industry sectors and he has a keen interest in social enterprise. Ann is a consultant with over 30 years experience of strategic planning and evaluation and has many insights and in depth knowledge of the social sector throughout Ireland. Currently she is working on a number of special assignments with Clann Credo - the Social Investment Fund.
The novel brainstorming get together, ‘Identifying Opportunities’ was very succesful, with nearly 30 participants despite our clashing with Longford's succesful visit to Croke Park. As one participant remarked 'everyone left enthused and energised'. Senan Cooke from Dunhill in Co Waterford was an inspirational speaker. His passion for Social Economy electrified the room. He gave the background to the Dunhill projects, how they were initiated and developed but also put Social Economy in a national and European context. He covered the difficulties and rewards but most of all people went away with the words “our time has come” ringing in their ears.
The seminar on Business Planning will take place at the EDI Centre, Longford on Thursday May 17th next, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.
The meeting is part of the roll-out of Social Enterprise Longford (SEL), a pioneering new programme to promote community development and jobs throughout the county.
Following on from three initial information meetings held in the lead up to Easter in Longford, Granard and Lanesboro, more than half the available places have been filled.
Among the many projects already identified include catering, recycling, caring, clothing, childcare and conservation.
Ideas from both urban and rural areas around the county are being sought after. You will be helped to identify local assets and opportunities. What has worked elsewhere will be explained and you will be guided through the maze of funding applications. Most of all, community groups will be assisted to earn income from trading activity.
Click
HERE to see news article from The Longford Leader.
Save the date: Social Impact - Wed 30th May 7.30- 9.30pm
What is the SEL Programme?
Social Enterprise Longford - SEL is a programme to support the emergence of social enterprises in Co. Longford.
The SEL programme consists of:
- Three public seminars will be held in May exploring opportunities for Social Enterprises in Longford, business planning and measuring social outcomes. All are invited to attend these public seminars.
- A series of practical workshops and one-to-one support for groups and individuals with a social enterprise idea will follow. Groups and individuals will test the feasibility of their idea and develop a business plan. Places on this part of the programme will be limited.
What is Social Enterprise?
Social enterprises have a clear social mission. They engage in some commercial activity in order to produce Social and Community gain. All surpluses are used to develop the enterprise or are reinvested in the community.
How might SEL be relevant to us?
SEL has been developed for community groups or entrepreneurs that have an interest in developing social enterprises as a way of being more sustainable and less dependent on grants.
What will SEL do for us?
The programme will:
- Support existing or emerging social enterprises
- Explore new opportunities
- Assess these opportunities
- Develop a business plan
- Help apply for funding
At the end of the process, you will have tested the feasibility of your ideas, developed a business plan for the most feasible idea and progressed it through to the funding application stage.
If the business idea falls within the criteria of Clann Credo and / or Longford Community Resources Limited, assistance in accessing finance through loans, grants or a combination of both will be available to participants who develop quality business plans for social enterprises.
What will be expected of us?
Participants on this programme will be encouraged to explore opportunities. They will test the feasibility of their ideas, actively engage in the workshops and homework exercises to develop a business plan.
The team of experts and mentors is there to support and guide you, but ultimately you have to be prepared to do the work.
Examples of Social Enterprise
Some examples of social enterprises include
Vantastic in Dublin provides accessible transport for people with disabilities and older members of the community.
How do we apply?
Are you an existing or emerging social enterprise?
Do you want to find out more information about SEL?
If so, please contact:
Pat Kelleher at
(043) 334 75 15 or (089) 422 19 06.
Or by email to
Sel@edilongford.ie.
Who are the promoters of SEL?
In partnership with Longford EDI and Longford Community Resources Limited, Clann Credo a
nd the ISFC have come together to develop SEL.
Clann Credo – the Social Investment Fund helps build stronger communities by providing finance for community growth. It offers a range of loan products for community, voluntary and charitable groups as well as social enterprises and community businesses.
The Irish Social Finance Centre (ISFC) is a sister company of Clann Credo that
promotes and supports the development of social innovation and social enterprise
in Ireland.
fifteen years ago as a Centre for Unemployed to provide Information, Advice
& Advocacy Services, Job Seeking Supports, Mediation Service, Bookkeeping and Small business supports. The centre delivers a range of FETAC and FÁS approved training courses including IT, Furniture Restoration and Catering.
Longford Community Resources Limited (LCRL) is the integrated local development partnership company for County Longford. The core purpose of LCRL is to promote positive change in the areas of social, economic, environmental, community and cultural development throughout County Longford by empowering communities and special issue groups to promote the development of their own areas.