Mayo social enterprise wins place on Rethink Ireland’s Genesis Programme

MOY Innovations, which provides employment and work experience to unfairly disadvantaged members of the Ballina community, has won a place on Rethink Ireland’s Genesis Programme.

The programme is an intensive two-day residential workshop that will focus on building the skills and knowledge needed to develop a sustainable social enterprise and be successful in future funding opportunities.

Rethink Ireland has announced the 40 awardees of their Social Enterprise Development Fund - 16 enterprises will receive cash grants and business support.

A further 24 enterprises including Moy Innovations, will receive strategic support to help expand their impact through a Genesis Programme.

The Social Enterprise Development Fund is a €3.2 million fund being delivered from 2018 – 2022. The fund was created by Rethink Ireland in partnership with Local Authorities Ireland and funded by IPB Insurance and the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Dormant Accounts Fund.

Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Joe O’Brien, said: “Moy Innovations and all the recipients of funding and support from Rethink Ireland are doing vital work in their communities to promote social and economic wellbeing, and I wish to congratulate them on their achievements.

“Now, more than ever, we need innovative leaders to re-think the way we live and work at an individual, local and national level to create a fairer, more inclusive and sustainable society for everyone. These awardees are excellent examples of the importance of social enterprises to Irish society and the economy.”

Also commenting, CEO of Rethink Ireland, Deirdre Mortell, said: “Social enterprises like Moy Innovations are at the forefront of achieving positive social change for communities across Ireland, using business skills and clever thinking to drive their social mission. Rethink Ireland was founded to support these organisations, and our Social Enterprise Development Fund will enable the awardees to go from strength to strength in enhancing the economic and social wellbeing of their communities.

“Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic we have all been reminded about the value of strong community and supporting one another. Therefore, the role Rethink Ireland plays in promoting community and social enterprise is now even more important."

Speaking on the ongoing partnership, George Jones, chairman of IPB Insurance, commented: “Supporting communities to achieve resilient and sustainable solutions to the problems they face has been part of our company's DNA since our founding. That's why we believe so strongly in the investment we are making through this fund, when you invest in a social enterprise you know that it's a sustainable investment that will be used wisely to reach all those in society who need their help.”

For more information, visit https://rethinkireland.ie/current_fund/social-enterprise-development-fund-2020/