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# bright sparks
Have you got the skills to solve Ireland's social problems?
Social entrepreneurs are being sought for a new competition that offers funding for innovators.
ARE YOU A problem-solving whizz? Have an idea for how things in Ireland can be improved?
The search is on for the people who have the most innovative ideas and new solutions to some of Ireland’s social and environmental problems.
It’s the work of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, which has launched its nationwide search for these bright sparks in what is the 10th year of its annual competition.
It has backed 169 social entrepreneurs to date and invested €5.4 million in direct funding to projects in areas ranging from community and active citizenship, education and learning, to environment and sustainability and mental and physical health.
Funding
Social Entrepreneurs Ireland is the country’s largest and most active funder of social entrepreneurship – this year it is providing €420,000 in funding to nine social entrepreneurs.
Plus, a further €180,000 worth of support will also be made available to successful applicants to help them grow their organisations “in order to impact as many people as possible, as quickly as possible”.
Sean Coughlan CEO of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland explained that they are keen to attract entries and ideas from across Ireland.
To make this happen, for the first time they are taking a roadshow around the country to tell people more about the work that we do and how SEI can support their idea or project.
Over the next month the roadshow will visit Waterford, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Longford and Belfast.
Closing date for entries to the 2014 competition is 5pm on Monday, 28 April and the winning nominees will be announced at a ceremony in November 2014. For an application form, visit the official website.
Read: Social entrepreneurs were honoured by President Michael D. Higgins tonight>
