‘A Social Enterprise is an enterprise whose objective is to achieve a social, societal or environmental impact, rather than maximising profits for its owners or shareholders.
It pursues its objectives by trading on an ongoing basis through the provision of goods and/or services, and by reinvesting surpluses into achieving a social objective.
It is governed in a fully accountable and transparent manner and is independent of the public sector. If dissolved, it should transfer its assets to another organisation with a similar mission.’
The sector has gained political and economic support with government recognising the role that social enterprise can play in civic society and the delivery of public services.
Wexford Local Development’s role is to support social enterprises that meet identified needs in Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP) areas and/or that have the potential to create employment opportunities for SICAP target groups.
Wexford Local Development (WLD) has officially launched its new Social Enterprise Feasibility Study, capturing the breadth, diversity and potential of social enterprise activity across County Wexford.
The launch event brought together social enterprise network members, community leaders and WLD staff at the Reach Ability Hub, providing a space to reflect on the scale of activity already underway and the opportunities emerging across the county.
The study provides a comprehensive overview of social enterprises operating in Wexford, identifying key thematic areas including employment and skills development, disability inclusion, community wellbeing, climate action, rural regeneration and social innovation. It also highlights common challenges faced by social enterprises, alongside opportunities for growth, collaboration and targeted support.
Crucially, the feasibility study aligns local social enterprise activity with national policy priorities, including Ireland’s Social Enterprise Policy, rural development objectives, inclusive employment strategies and climate and sustainability goals. The study positions County Wexford as a strong contributor to the wider enterprise ecosystem.
WLD will use the findings to inform future programme design, enterprise supports and partnership development, ensuring that social enterprises across the county are better equipped to scale their impact and sustainability.
The study reinforces WLD’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, resilient and impact-driven social enterprise ecosystem that responds directly to community needs across County Wexford.
“I was delighted to attend on behalf of Taghmon Action Group and to be one of the two groups selected for the feasibility study undertaken by WLD on Social Enterprise in county Wexford. Working with Helena and Sam during the study gave us a new perspective of what we TAG have achieved over the years and give us confidence and guidance for the future.
As we undertake the next phase of the development of TAG and formulate our strategic plan and goals for the future we will do so with renewed confidence. The training provided by Sam has opened up our thinking on what can be achieved by working with our partners to frame a strategic growth through sustainability and enterprise”. John Waters, Chairperson, Taghmon Action Group.
“Having the feasibility study carried out for St. Aidan’s Community Hall yielded an interesting outcome. Namely how we had contributed to 5 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, by simply making the enterprise sustainable, and the necessity to be able to measure the impact the projects we deliver, has on the communities . It was encouraging to see so many fellow social entrepreneurs at the launch, and is testament to the strength of the Wexford county’s social enterprise network”. Jonathan King, Chairperson, St. Aidan’s Community Hall, Bunclody.
Click on the below link to read the full feasability study:
The 2327 LEADER Programme is open to Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from a wide range of eligible social enterprises for grants to support the development of new and existing enterprises delivering projects that create and/or sustain employment. We would particularly welcome applications from social enterprises engaged in community tourism, recognising the important role they can play in supporting local communities and economies.
Interested social enterprises should review the information below in advance of completing and submitting the EOI form. Please pay particular attention to what type of organisation qualifies as a social enterprise for this round of funding.
Applications will be dealt with on a first come, first served basis.
If unsure about your proposed project’s suitability/eligibility, please contact one of our Project Officers: mdunphy@wld.ie or edake@wld.ie
Complete EOI Form to Apply: Social Enterprise EOI Form
Grant Aid Rates & Amounts:
What is a social enterprise: Social enterprises are businesses that work primarily to improve the lives of people. Their core objective is to achieve a social, societal, or environmental impact. Like other businesses, social enterprises pursue their objectives by trading in goods and services on an ongoing basis. However, any surpluses generated by social enterprises are re-invested into achieving social objectives, rather than maximising profit for their owners.
For the purposes of this LEADER funding call, the normal services provided by community centres are not considered trading in goods or services. The LEADER Programme will have a funding call for community groups operating community buildings in early 2027.
The LEADER Programme is unable to accept applications for the following sectors & projects:
Note for applicants – LEADER application stages:
Summary of funding budgets as presented in Wexford’s Local Development Strategy:
All information on this funding call is available in Irish by request.
To subscribe to receive updates including notices of when funding calls open, Subscribe to LEADER emails.
Enterprise, Social Enterprise, Training &
Social Prescribing Coordinator
Social Enterprise Development Officer
LEADER Community Project Officer
LEADER Community Project Officer
