Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 May 2026
142. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for an update on the sustaining social enterprise scheme 2026-2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38002/26]
View answerThe 'Sustaining Social Enterprise Scheme 2026/2027', funded under the Dormant Accounts Fund, is an innovative funding scheme that was launched by my Department in April 2026.
The purpose of the 'Sustaining Social Enterprise Scheme 2026/2027' is to help established social enterprises become more financially sustainable, to help them provide services and deliver their social, environmental or economic objective from a stronger economic base.
Under the scheme, which has an allocation of €4m for 2026 and 2027, it is planned to support a number of social enterprises or consortia of social enterprises to deliver projects that will increase their traded income and therefore their financial sustainability over a 23-month period. A webinar was held on 17 April to guide interested social enterprises on how to assess possible areas of growth in their businesses as part of the scheme.
Successful projects may include the employment of a key staff member to increase traded income (e.g. a business development manager) or be part of a shared services model to free up existing staff to focus on income generation (e.g. administration or HR services) and each new role generated will be self-sustaining by the end of the funding period. Applicants must fit the definition of a social enterprise, as defined in the Trading for Impact policy, and be at the sustaining stage. The maximum grant amount (over two years) is €150k and match funding of 10% is required.
The portal for applications, via the Pobal website, closed at 2pm last Friday, 15 May 2026. My officials have been informed that 140 completed applications were received by that time. Completed applications will be subject to a two-stage application process. Applicants deemed not to fit the criteria will be ruled out at an early stage and social enterprises confirmed to be eligible will be invited to complete a more in-depth application for further assessment.
Funding decisions are due to be communicated to all applicants in September. Successful social enterprises will be issued Grant Agreements for a period of 23 months. It is expected that in the region of 30 Grantees will receive funding under DAF Sustaining Social Enterprises. This scheme is delivered under de minimis State Aid rules.
