Spraoi agus Spórt in Carndonagh has been awarded a cash grant of €50,000 and a place on Ireland’s most prestigious Accelerator Programme for Social Enterprises.
The Inishowen social enterprise for families was one of three Ulster-based winners of the €1.6 million Social Enterprise Development Fund. The Fund was set up to support social enterprises from across the country to achieve their goals and create measurable social impact that can be scaled all over Ireland.
Spraoi agus Spórt began eight years ago as a parent and toddler group, and has since group into a vibrant family hub with workshops, events and afterschool care for the community.
The Spraoi agus Spórt committee will also join an Accelerator Programme which is run in partnership with Local Authorities Ireland and provides intensive, expert and bespoke supports for social enterprises to hone their social impact, business skills and accelerate their growth.
Helen Nolan, Chairperson, Spraoi agus Spórt said: “Spraoi agus Spórt are delighted to have won the Social Enterprise Development Award, we have been on an incredible journey over the last 8 years and we know this funding and support will help to consolidate the work that we have done and assist us in bringing our plans for a FabLab, a Youth Space for Teenagers, a Creative Hub and a Rural Co-Working space to fruition. Maybe we might even see a Spraoi agus Spórt in another town too!”