Support for a business head with a social heart

GRANTS to the value of €1 million are being made available to successful entrepreneurs who are making a positive impact on Irish communities.

The Arthur Guinness Fund 2011 is also inviting applications from start-up projects seeking both financial and practical support to apply for the newly established Challenge Grant.

Projects that have been established in the last two years are invited to apply to receive up to €25,000 per annum for two years.

Managing director at Diageo Ireland John Kennedy described the fund as a “springboard” to enable Irish entrepreneurs to take their initiatives to the next level.

“It’s about backing people with a business head and a social heart. It is often very difficult for social entrepreneurs to attract funding at the initial stages and as such, Guinness would like to give them the opportunity to turn their innovative idea into a reality.”

Applications are also being sought from social entrepreneurs whose projects are at a more advanced stage of development and can demonstrate the positive and sustainable impact they are making on Irish communities.

Applicants who have been in operation for two to five years are eligible to receive up to €50,000 in funding per annum for two years.

“We are delighted to maintain the legacy of Arthur Guinness by continuing to support social entrepreneurs across Ireland,” he added.