Grants of up to £10,000 are available to address social deprivation in the city
A £90,000 funding pot is being made available in a Dragon’s Den style competition to support the “social economy” in Belfast.
Belfast City Council has opened the Social Economy Incentive Fund to help support Belfast based social enterprises and co-operatives. The competitive fund offers grants of up to £10,000 to address social deprivation in the city.
There are two categories aimed at new social enterprises and those who are operating for over three years. The application process includes a short application form and participation in a Dragons’ Den style pitching event.
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Shortlisted organisations will be invited to make a five-minute pitch on Monday November 24 to a judging panel of local social enterprise stakeholders, outlining the social value and impact the award would have on their organisation and beneficiaries.
Winners will be selected based on their application and pitch to receive a grant depending on whether they are competing for the start up or growth award. The deadline for online applications is Tuesday November 11 at 4pm.
Launching the opening of the fund this week, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly said: “The Social Economy Incentive Fund is one of the ways we support the social economy in Belfast. It helps new social enterprises and cooperatives at that crucial early stage but also existing social enterprises to develop something different. The activities and initiatives supported will also have an impact in areas of social deprivation.
“Our funding will cover set up costs, equipment or machinery to generate new revenue, staff skills development, or new expertise. We want to develop an inclusive economy in Belfast, and backing social enterprise is one step on the way. With this new fund, we’re addressing a hurdle to start-up or early-stage growth, the lack of initial capital.”
Previous winner, Ryan Bloomer of RB Adapted Coaching, said: “Receiving the funding meant we were able to buy specialist equipment that was durable, versatile and suitable for wheelchair users. Our disabled service users have made great progress with the equipment that has been purchased so far, for some clients the use of the adapted equipment has been life changing.”
Applicants have to be located in Belfast City Council area, have already began trading and are a registered social enterprise or co-operative organisation or in the process of completing this registration. They have to be able to demonstrate the potential impact of the funding on achieving organisation and programme aims.
They have to spend the funding on their project within three months with all monies spent within 12 months. For more information and to access the online application, visit here
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