How can we create a more equitable and sustainable society? One answer lies in supporting social entrepreneurship, which seeks to address social and environmental challenges while generating financial returns.
Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, has pledged €500,000 to support Irish social entrepreneurs through non-profit organizations Social Entrepreneurs Ireland (SEI) and INCO. This funding is part of a larger European-wide commitment by Google to support social entrepreneurs, with its Social Innovation Fund pledging €20 million to underserved social innovators across the continent.
The grant will fully fund the costs of the Changing Ireland Accelerator Programme in 2023, which aims to provide social entrepreneurs with the resources they need to make a positive impact in their community.
This support for social enterprise is crucial in building a more resilient and equitable economy, as social entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to address systemic challenges and create sustainable solutions.
In this article, we will explore the significance of this pledge, the organizations involved, and the impact it could have on the Irish social entrepreneurship landscape.
What is the Pledge?
In a move to support Irish social entrepreneurs, Google.org has pledged €500,000 in funding to Social Entrepreneurs Ireland and INCO, as part of its European-wide commitment to support underserved social innovators throughout Europe.
The pledge is aimed at accelerating social change through people and creating a socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable economy.
Google’s pledge is a part of its commitment to support social entrepreneurs worldwide. Its Social Innovation Fund has pledged €20 million cash funding to support underserved social innovators throughout Europe.
By providing the sector with better access to capital, talent, markets, and technology, businesses such as Google have the opportunity to serve the communities they operate in meaningfully and advance impactful humanitarian and environmental causes.
The pledge reflects Google’s continued commitment to supporting social entrepreneurs worldwide and its belief that entrepreneurship can be the best way to tackle some of the world’s greatest challenges.
SEI and INCO
SEI and INCO are non-profit organizations that aim to accelerate social change and create a socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable economy, respectively.
SEI has been supporting social entrepreneurs in Ireland since 2004, and has helped over 550 social entrepreneurs to date. Some of the successful businesses that have emerged from SEI programs include Pieta House, AsIAm, Irish Community Air Ambulance, GIY, FoodCloud, and the Irish Men’s Sheds Association. SEI works towards creating a positive impact in communities by providing social entrepreneurs with the resources and support they need to achieve their goals.
INCO, on the other hand, operates globally and has a presence in over 40 countries. The organization is focused on driving impact-driven businesses that can create a better world. INCO’s StartSocial initiative, which is backed by Google.org, aims to provide funding and capacity-building to more than 400 social enterprises throughout Europe.
INCO believes that social entrepreneurship is the key to creating a sustainable and inclusive economy, and works towards achieving this goal by supporting businesses that have a positive impact on society and the environment.
The support provided by both SEI and INCO is essential for the growth and success of social entrepreneurs, and Google’s pledge to support these organizations with a funding of €500,000 will help to drive positive change in Ireland.
Importance of Social Enterprise
Social enterprise plays a significant role in creating a resilient, equitable, and sustainable economy. Such enterprises are businesses that prioritize social and environmental objectives while pursuing financial goals. They are often founded by individuals who are passionate about solving societal problems and strive to make a positive impact in their communities.
Social enterprise is an important avenue for addressing social, environmental, and economic challenges faced by communities worldwide. In today’s world, social enterprise is becoming increasingly important in creating a more just and sustainable economy. It provides opportunities for underserved communities to access capital, talent, and technology needed to drive change.
Moreover, social enterprises are often more resilient to economic shocks than traditional businesses, as they prioritize social and environmental objectives that resonate with customers. Therefore, supporting social enterprise is crucial in building a more equitable and sustainable economy.
Changing Ireland Accelerator Programme
The Changing Ireland Accelerator Programme offers resources to aid social entrepreneurs in making a positive impact in their community. This initiative is fully funded by Google.org with a grant of €500,000, and it is run by Social Entrepreneurs Ireland (SEI). The programme is designed to support social entrepreneurs by providing them with the necessary resources, including funding, capacity-building, mentorship, and access to networks, to help them achieve their goals and create a sustainable and equitable society.
The table below summarizes the key features of the Changing Ireland Accelerator Programme. It includes information on the application process, eligibility criteria, and the benefits that participants will gain from the programme. The programme is open to all social entrepreneurs who are working towards creating a positive impact in their community, and it provides a unique opportunity for them to leverage the resources and expertise of Google.org and SEI to achieve their goals.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Application process | Expressions of interest can be submitted through the dedicated page on the SEI website from December 5, 2022. |
| Eligibility criteria | The programme is open to social entrepreneurs who are working towards creating a positive impact in their community. |
| Benefits | Participants will receive funding, capacity-building, mentorship, and access to networks to help them achieve their goals. |
| Selection process | The selection process will commence in February 2023, and successful applicants will be appointed to the programme from June 2023. |
| Funding | The programme is fully funded by Google.org with a grant of €500,000. |
Adaire Fox-Martin’s Statement
Adaire Fox-Martin emphasizes the importance of social enterprise in building a resilient, equitable, and sustainable economy. As the President of Google Cloud International and Head of Google Ireland, she believes that by providing social entrepreneurs with better access to capital, talent, markets, and technology, businesses such as Google have the opportunity to serve the communities they operate in meaningfully and advance impactful humanitarian and environmental causes.
Fox-Martin’s statement highlights the increasing recognition of social enterprise as a crucial component of economic development, demonstrating the potential of businesses to drive social change.
To support social entrepreneurs, Google.org has pledged €500,000 in funding to Social Entrepreneurs Ireland (SEI) and INCO, two non-profit organizations working towards social change. This pledge is part of its European-wide commitment to support underserved social innovators throughout Europe.
By providing funding to SEI and INCO, Google.org is investing in the growth and development of social enterprises, and ultimately, in the creation of a more equitable and sustainable society.
