Maybe you can get involved in the social enterprise space by using other successful social enterprise models

The social enterprise sector is a rich and diverse area, covering many different types of organisations from hairdressing to recycling/reuse, from toy sales to confectionary sales all the way to commercial cleaning and early intervention learning support.

Using the model of successful social enterprises, it is often possible to replicate those models by using them to replicate or create new social enterprises in other regions. It could be a brand new social enterprise or often times it is an existing social enterprise or charity that has the ability to add a subsidiary or diversify their business into this new area of potential.

At Oakfield Trust we are keen to hear from people and organisations who fit this category, and who are eager to establish a successful social enterprise model locally. Oakfield Trust may be able to offer various support mechanisms, including grant funding, to facilitate this.

How would it work?

To be eligible for funding assistance the following requirements would need to be met:

You would need to provide us a satisfactory plan and a business model on how you would achieve your objectives, including:

• A business plan.
• Details of other funding involved in the project.
• How you would spend any funding.
• All other relevant information relating to the setup of the new social enterprise.

You would ideally be working in the sector already or intending to work with an organisation or individual in the sector.

You would ideally be based in the Republic of Ireland.

Examples of Social Enterprise Models which may work locally

Commercial Cleaning Social Enterprise

There is potential for establishment of a social enterprise which does the following:

• A business plan.
• Provides commercial cleaning and maintenance services for public and private spaces and amenities.
• Provides cleaning and hygiene training for candidates experiencing employment disadvantage.
• Provides related employability and mental health support for candidates experiencing employment disadvantage.
• Provides employment via positions in the commercial cleaning company, particularly for candidates experiencing employment disadvantage.

An example of a successful social enterprise would be All Cleaned Up in Scotland.

Confectionary / Culinary / Food related Social Enterprise

There is potential for establishment of a social enterprise which does the following:

• Sells confectionary or culinary items (for example chocolates or baked goods)
• Provides culinary and hygiene training for candidates experiencing employment disadvantage.
• Provides related employability and mental health support for candidates experiencing employment disadvantage.
• Provides employment via positions in the social enterprise, particularly for candidates experiencing employment disadvantage.

An example of a successful social enterprise would be Grace Chocolates in Scotland.

Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs)

There is huge potential to have a real impact in the social enterprise space by creating and developing what is known as ‘Work Integration Social Enterprises’ (WISEs).

WISEs are organizations that aim to create employment opportunities for marginalized individuals, such as people with disabilities, ex-offenders, and the long-term unemployed. These enterprises operate like traditional businesses, but with a social mission at their core. They generate revenue through the sale of products or services, which in turn, provides the resources to sustain their social programs.

WISEs are often founded by non-profit organizations, social entrepreneurs, or local governments. They offer training, support, and employment opportunities to their employees, many of whom face significant barriers to finding work. The social programs they provide may include vocational training, life skills development, and counselling services to help their employees overcome the challenges they face and become self-sufficient.

Overall, WISEs play an important role in creating more inclusive and sustainable communities. By providing employment opportunities and support to marginalized individuals, they help to build a more equitable and prosperous society for all.

WISEs exist in all types of sectors – maybe your sector is one of the?

Low-Cost Group Music Lessons – Social Enterprise

Are you a guitar/music teacher who would like to earn more money teaching a group of students? We would like to be able to facilitate people that might not ordinarily afford music lessons, by providing a very affordable group rate based on 8 – 10 students in a group.

It is possible that Oakfield Trust could assist the setup of a social enterprise to do this. It is likely that we could facilitate a room for you and a good hourly rate for 1-2 weekly group lessons. It would require you to deal with the administration side of the business and all surpluses would go back into the social enterprise.

If you’d like to get in touch about an idea email Gareth at gebbs@oakfieldtrust.ie
or call 086 1279 362.