Impact and Ideas! Social Entrepreneurs Ireland opens 2026 programmes for applications

Social entrepreneurs supported by Social Entrepreneurs Ireland are up to 50 per cent more likely to succeed than those without our backing. That’s according to Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, as it opens its Ideas Academy and Impact Programme for applications. Since 2004, the not-for-profit has supported over 630 social entrepreneurs across the country who are driving solutions in areas such as mental health, housing, the environment and education.

Speaking at the launch of this year’s programme, which remains open until 20th April, Director of Development at Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, Michelle Noone, said:

“We know the impact that our programmes have on people and communities across the country, and in 2025, an independently verified report demonstrated how Social Entrepreneurs Ireland contributes to the success and growth of social enterprises across Ireland, with employment, sales, and future funding increased by up to 50 per cent and innovation boosted by up to 80 per cent.

“There is a wealth of incredible ideas out there, and we encourage budding social entrepreneurs and those with more established solutions to social issues to apply for our Ideas Academy and Social Impact programmes, to bring their concepts to the next level.”

The Ideas Academy is a three-month programme designed to provide budding social entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools needed to move from a concept to a tangible pilot.

The Impact Programme is a nine-month programme that supports experienced social entrepreneurs to scale up tried-and-tested solutions to tackle Ireland’s biggest social challenges. Programme participants receive mentorship and peer support.

Impact Programme alumnus and internationally recognised designer, Kim Mackenzie-Doyle, founded The B!G Idea to prepare young people for the fastest-changing world in history. The free all-Ireland programme bridges classrooms and industry, equipping thousands of students with creative problem-solving skills, mentors, and confidence to turn their challenges into opportunities, shaping their futures and those of society.

Carlow-based Mackenzie-Doyle said: “With The B!G Idea, I saw an opportunity to support young people right now, while fostering and developing the next generation of social entrepreneurs in the longer term.

“Social Entrepreneurs Ireland has been invaluable in developing The B!G Idea, from the tailored mentoring, expert training and financial support received from the Impact Programme in 2022, through to my current participation in another Social Entrepreneurs Ireland programme.

“Anyone who has a vision and can demonstrate the impact of their idea should consider applying for The Impact Programme.”

Social Entrepreneurs Ireland has partnered with energy company DCC plc since 2011. Since the partnership began, Social Entrepreneurs Ireland has received over 3,500 applications from all across Ireland.

Donal Murphy, Chief Executive Officer at DCC plc, said

“DCC plc is proud to support Social Entrepreneurs Ireland again in 2026. Over 660 social entrepreneurs have been directly supported over the duration of the partnership. In addition, Social Entrepreneurs Ireland alumni have created 463 jobs and generated €39.8m in income, so we know that this partnership works!

“We look forward to helping this year’s successful applicants to develop and refine their ideas to affect positive change across Irish society.”

Social Entrepreneurs Ireland will hold information sessions for interested individuals and organisations on 31st March. Register and apply for the Ideas Academy and The Impact Programme at https://www.socialentrepreneurs.ie/our-programmes/.