Social enterprise
Social enterprise complements charitable and community programmes by creating lasting economic mechanisms for solving social problems.
Status
Idea and preparation. The project does not yet have a leader or volunteers. We are looking for people to take it on. Nothing has been launched.
Why
An enterprise that solves a community problem and pays its own way can last, and need not depend only on one-off funds. The Fortuna Community constitution expressly allows social enterprises, and any profit under it goes only towards the company's objects.
How projects are chosen
- It addresses a defined community problem.
- It can cover its costs from income.
- Profit goes to the common good, not to members.
- Someone is ready to lead it.
How
The area grows out of Business Booster: ideas arrive there, and those that benefit the community are directed here. We start inside the community: with projects we create ourselves and ideas from participants.
What we are considering
- Projects inside the community that can earn income for the common good.
- Business Booster participants' ideas that are useful to the community.
- The guide How to start a business in Ireland.
- Longer-term ideas: vacant buildings as places to work (see Vacant properties) and micro-enterprises.
How you can help
We need a leader for this area, and volunteers. If you have experience in social enterprise, business or non-profit work, write to us. We also need experts in law, finance and marketing.
We do not promise grants, income or jobs.