Visitors speaking with exhibitors at a social enterprise showcase event, where community organisations and enterprises are displaying information about their services and projects

Definition

Core Rule: Surplus is primarily re-invested in the social objective.

Status

Format: A business run by a group of volunteers that charges for a product or service.

Audience

Supports: Any person or group interested or already involved in social enterprise development.

Examples

Local Examples: Birr Swimming Pool, Pullough Community Shop, Moneygall Community Gym.

About the Programme

Offaly Local Development Company supports voluntary groups and individuals all across Offaly who are already running, or who are thinking of setting up a social enterprise.

What is a Social Enterprise?

A social enterprise is an enterprise that:

  • Trades for a social/societal purpose.
  • Earns at least part of its income from its trading activity.
  • Is separate from government.
  • The surplus is primarily re-invested in the social objective.

Local Examples include:

OLDC has developed an interactive working relationship with over 25 currently trading social enterprises across Offaly over the past five years.

Programme Priorities

Programme Priorities:

Our focus areas for support are strategically aligned to maximize community impact:

  • Community Development
  • Youth
  • Enterprise

What types of support are available?

Focus: Feasibility & Governance

  • Pre-development local community planning work supporting groups to identify and action social enterprise opportunities.
  • Provision of governance guidance to boards and staff members through mentoring or organised training.

Focus: Financial Viability & Grant Access

  • Provision and support in accessing local and national financial supports (grant applications, etc.).
  • Help to define a sustainable trading model where income is earned from the product or service provided.

Focus: Skills for Growth

We provide specific relevant training to board and staff members, with training planned under the headings of:

  • Capacity Building
  • Digital Innovation
  • Strategic Planning
  • Governance

This training is supported by funding from sources like the Covid 19 regeneration fund for social enterprises.

Focus: Shared Learning & Mentoring

  • Mentoring advice and guidance for day-to-day issues.
  • Facilitated networking sessions to encourage shared learning and collaborative development.

Downloads and Resources

Contact

Ready to take the next step? Our team is available to provide guidance and support tailored to your needs. Contact your local coordinator directly via the details below.

Any person or group who is interested or already involved in social enterprise development can avail of these supports.

Sarah Kennedy

Sustainable Communities & Social Enterprise Team Leader

Passionate – Dedicated – Professional

Learn more about what we do.