A new cross community and cross border initiative is encouraging rural communities to explore the power of social enterprise as a pathway to greater sustainability and growth.
The RiSE Project is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body. The ‘Unlocking the Potential of Rural Innovation and Social Enterprise (RiSE) project’ seeks to create inclusive spaces where community development, business, and economic growth intersect to support lasting peace and prosperity.
The project which received €3,971,440, brings together a multi stakeholder partnership comprising of Rural Action who will lead the project along with partners, Irish Rural Link, Scotland Social Enterprise Academy and Social Enterprise NI (SENI) with Community Finance Ireland as an associate partner.
Through networking, events and activities, RiSE will encourage and facilitate collaboration between rural communities on a cross-border and cross-community basis. Participating groups and organisations will share knowledge and receive training support on how to maximise income generation, improve sustainability and increase the amount of people accessing community services. Part of the project is focused on inspiring the next generation of Social Enterprises by offering a programme of training and collaboration.
Gina McIntyre, Chief Executive of SEUPB, said:
“There are many PEACEPLUS funded collaborative cross border services that promote equality of access for citizens in rural areas which is essential for sustained peace and progress in our society.
“The RISE project exemplifies this approach. It will support community-led development and deliver targeted services that address rural challenges.”
Speaking about the project, Allen McAdam, Chairperson of Rural Action, commented:
‘The project aims to address the shared challenge of rural sustainability through the lens of social enterprise and innovation. Social enterprise offers a powerful pathway for rural organisations to deliver vital services while building sustainable, growth-oriented models, however many organisations face barriers to fully realising its benefits. RiSE will unlock this potential by connecting communities across traditional divides and empowering them to shape their own futures.”
The PEACEPLUS Programme has been designed to promote peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland, and has a total value of €1.14bn, to be delivered over the next four years.
PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.
More information on the project will be available at www.ruralaction.co.
ENDS
Notes to editors
1. The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) is a North South Body with the statutory remit for managing EU funding programmes within Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.
2. PEACEPLUS is a cross-border funding Programme designed to support peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. The total value of PEACEPLUS is €1.14 billion.
3. PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.
4. Unlocking the Potential of Rural Innovation and Social Enterprise (RiSE) is funded through the PEACEPLUS Programme – Rural Regeneration and Social Inclusion – to the value of €3,971,440.
5. The project is led by Rural Action and includes partner organisations Irish Rural Link, Scotland Social Enterprise Academy and Social Enterprise NI (SENI) with Community Finance Ireland as an associate partner.
6. Rural Action was formed in 2019 as a not-for-profit social purpose company and became a registered charity in March 2022. It was established to meet an identified need for a regional delivery organisation with a focus on supporting grassroots communities. It seeks to make a positive contribution to the everyday lives of rural communities, with an ambition to achieve this, not only through working with others, but as an organisation to give back, to support and inspire rural communities to design, deliver and implement practical projects.
7. Irish Rural Link was formed in 1991 as a non-profit organisation, representing a national network of organisations of some 600 community groups with a combined membership of 25,000. With a focus on sustainable rural development, it seeks to support rural communities through a range of operational projects and programmes, through local community development approaches, engaging with key stakeholders and disseminating good practice at both a national and European level.
8. Social Enterprise Academy (SEA) is a Scottish charity that supports social entrepreneurs in rural, women and young communities through transformational learning programmes. Since 2004, the SEA has been providing learning and development opportunities for people and organisations enabling social change in Scotland and more recently the rest of the UK as well. SEA have facilitated over 78,000 social entrepreneurs and third sector leaders to help create fairer communities with equitable access to opportunities. Using social franchising and impact partnerships, they offer learning programmes in communities worldwide.
9. Social Enterprise NI was formed in 2012 and is the representative body for social enterprises and social entrepreneurs across Northern Ireland. Connecting, supporting, developing and sustaining vibrant businesses to create social change throughout NI. They also provide opportunities for collaboration between social enterprises and the public and private sectors. With a directory of over 800 social enterprises in NI.