BNest, the first dedicated Social Enterprise Incubator, is an initiative created specifically to support social entrepreneurs nurture their start-ups, and caters to all types of organisations from charities to businesses with a social conscience. On Tuesday, March 12, BNest are holding their Bnest Showcase 2019 to highlight these enterprises and the substantial progress that has been made with the help of BNest, as well as to allow others to view the real social impact that each individual organisation is having on the broader community they are serving.
Since September 2016, in partnership with Nexus Centre UL, BNest have been running a six-month programme in which emerging social enterprises learn how to get their new organisations off to the best start by focusing on key areas related to developing their enterprises, in terms of business, social and personal aspects.
Eamon Ryan who founded and self-funded BNest said, “We are the first fully-fledged social incubator in Ireland, and the idea was to create a peer group which shared experiences that could help one another. BNest has been given a home by the University of Limerick, where participants have access to the full facilities of the Nexus Innovation Centre. The venture is being philanthropically funded for three years at a cost of about €20,000 per programme, while participation is free for the enterprises selected. Last year, nine enterprises completed the programme, and there are another eight enterprises taking part in this year’s programme.”
At the BNest Showcase 2019, the graduates will showcase their enterprises which are achieving real social impact across the Midwest, dealing with various issues from mental health to the environment. Eamon adds, “These passionate people have worked on their projects for the past 6 months and we are excited to invite you to join us for a showcase event, where you’ll learn more about each of the projects and meet the people behind them.”
In addition to the display booths, a short informal presentation will be made by each enterprise.
The Limerick Gateway to Education was also involved with the BNest Incubator last year. Founder, Suzanne Roche said, “I took part in the BNest Incubator programme last year, and its content and ongoing support for our project has continued to be invaluable. When I started the project in 2012, I was very much on my own, it’s a fantastic programme as you have on the spot follow up if issues arise. A great programme to get involved in, if you’re a start-up.”
Extract of Carers Network Ireland involvement in BNEST Incubator:
3. Carers Network Ireland
CNI’s founder Ronah Corcoran spent many years caring for the most vulnerable. Recently she decided to shift her focus to providing care to her peers. CNI addresses increasing mental health issues in the care sector, by providing workshops, events, individual supports and by creating a supportive community.
