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At Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, we are committed to accelerated social change through the power of people. Through the Action Lab our aim is to do just that. We are focused on supporting the strategic progress of high potential solutions and helping social entrepreneurs to develop as leaders by supporting each of them to tackle prominent challenges they are facing.

The Action Lab, as part of our Early-Stage Programmatic Supports, will take place from 17th October until 12th December 2024. The two-month programme will provide consultation, mentorship, workshopping and will maximise the expertise available within our network to help each participant progress towards achieving tangible impact.

What support is given to this year’s Action Lab participants?

A business grant ranging from €1,000-€5,000 will be awarded to each project on the Action Lab. In addition to financial support, participants will benefit from the expertise of our community.

This year’s programme includes key workshops and opportunities including:

  • Impact Measurement
  • Leadership Training
  • Fundraising Workshop
  • A&L Goodbody Legal Clinic

Over the two months, Eabha Harper McKeever, Early-Stage Programme Manager will facilitate group discussions surrounding challenges or opportunities identified by programme participants. This will create a space to share experiences, learn from each other and provide support to other social entrepreneurs on the programme.

Alongside these group sessions, each participant will be matched with a sector expert mentor who will provide personalised guidance in the specific areas where they need support.

Introducing the 2024 Action Lab Participants

Each of the projects on this year’s Action Lab have come through our early stage ‘Ideas Academy’ in the last one to three years. We received 28 applications for this year’s programme and we’re delighted to announce the nine participants on this year’s programme.

Alexia Press Hub – Lucy Alexia Masoka – Ideas Academy 2022

Empowering immigrant parents to navigate their new environment and overcome challenges related to cultural differences and assimilation during resettlement.

View more about Alexia Press Hub
alexia-press-hub-logo

All Irish Dance – Carmel McKenna – Ideas Academy 2023

Provides training programmes designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to lead inclusive Irish céilí dance activities for older adults and individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities.

View more about All Irish Dance
all-irish-dance-logo

Anam VR – Pierce O’Brien & Rob Sheridan – Ideas Academy 2023

An affordable Virtual Reality (VR) app combining game design and education to help people struggling with anxiety.

View more about Anam VR
AnamVR-founded-by-pierce-obrien-and-rob-sheridan
Eilis-davenport

Learn Local – Eilis Davenport – Ideas Academy 2023

Delivering culinary skills and food education programmes for schools and other community groups, with the goal of reducing food poverty and improving food nutrition.

Learn more about Learn Local

Shamrock Squad – Alina Barone & Vika Gailite – Ideas Academy 2022

Delivering informative, hands on activities for people with disabilities and providing information to make the outdoors more accessible.

Learn more about Shamrock Squad
shamrock-squad

Shareclub – Sarah Fliessbach – Ideas Academy 2022

A circular packaging solution for events, catering and takeaway services, driven by a simple yet powerful vision: a sharecup in everyone’s hand.

Learn more about Shareclub
shareclub-logo

The Digital Human – Julie Palcic – Ideas Academy 2024

Aims to support individuals in companies, schools, and local groups on their digital wellness journey by offering tailored programs and talks.

Learn more about The Digital Human
the-digital-human-logo

Town Scientist – Niamh Shaw – Ideas Academy 2024

Working directly with communities to break down barriers about science through training programmes and awareness promotion.

Learn more about Town Scientist

TY Future – Sylwia Brzozowska – Ideas Academy 2023

An online platform connecting students, teachers and parents to relevant career development resources, real-world projects, and personalised guidance to help students explore the ever-evolving job-market.

Learn more about TY Future
ty-future-logo

If you have an idea to solve a social problem, but don’t know where to start – sign up to our newsletter to be the first to hear of announcements and opportunities.

Thank you to RBC Brewin Dolphin, who kindly support the 2024 Action Lab.

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