Social Entrepreneurs Ireland (SEI) is this year marking 20 years of championing entrepreneurs, uniquely on a mission to tackle social problems and improve society. Established in 2004, the not-for-profit national organisation supports high-potential social entrepreneurs to drive lasting change in Ireland, with the support of some of the country’s leading local and global companies and business people.
Social Entrepreneurs Ireland was founded as an initiative of the One Foundation in 2004, the first organisation in Ireland to focus solely on supporting social entrepreneurs. In 2008, it supported it’s 100th social entrepreneur. This year, it celebrates its 20 th anniversary and to date, over 600 social entrepreneurs across the country have been given over €14 million in funding and pro-bono support, including around €7.5m in financial grants.
Social Entrepreneurs Ireland alumni have directly impacted the lives of millions of people throughout Ireland and have contributed significantly to addressing critical social problems and driving systemic
change. Noted advocacy and support groups backed by SEI include Ireland’s National Autism Charity, AsIAm, founded in 2014 by Adam Harris, who describes himself, at that time, as a nineteen-year-old with big ideas!
The Shona Project, run by Tammy Darcy, to empower young women, Sharon Vard of Anam Cara bereavement supports, John Evoy of Irish Men’s Sheds Association, a community-based project supporting rural men, and Frances Black’s, The Rise Foundation have all benefited from the unique community and ecosystem that helps social entrepreneurs work together to transform Ireland for the better.
Pic Credit: Damien Eagers / Julien Behal Photography,
