Who is it for?

Individuals and groups starting up a social enterprise.

How much can I get?

Up to €5,000.

What is the Get Started Grant for?

To assist a social entrepreneur or team with Get Started costs for a new social enterprise. This must be located in Ireland and address a social issue. The grant amount is up to €5,000.

Who is this suited for?

For individuals or groups starting up a social enterprise which has satisfactory evidence of feasibility, viability and social impact.

Examples of items included:

• Legal fees for incorporation and/or registration as a charity or Community Interest Company (CLG etc.)
• Rent (if you have identified a premises)
• Website, branding, logo design and marketing materials
• Professional services like Insurance and accountancy services (invoices must be requested)
• Equipment and software
• Utilities including phones
• Coaching and Consultancy (there are also many free services available, and we can assist you finding them)
• Training related to your service
• ‘Corporate’ costs like Accountancy costs

Examples of items NOT included:

• Costs already incurred (retrospective costs)
• Meeting costs and general subsistence expenses

Eligible and Ineligible Costs

For more information on eligible and ineligible costs, please see the Get Started grant funding guide.

Who can apply?

Individuals who meet the eligibility criteria set out below, and who have an idea for a social enterprise but need some grant to get it up and running.

What period does it run for?

12 months but we will assess on case-by-case basis.

Eligibility Criteria for a Get Started Grant

• The applicant is aged 16 or over.
• The applicant is a resident of the Republic of Ireland.
• The enterprise operates primarily for the benefit of people or communities within Ireland.
• The enterprise and its activities do not involve political campaigning or religious activities.
• The enterprise is an independent organisation and not the project or subsidiary of an existing body.
• The enterprise aims to provide direct social impact to individuals, communities and/or the environment.
• The enterprise is in the early stages of development – i.e. the ‘Get Started’ phase – and has not begun trading on a regular basis.
• The idea does not form part of the applicant’s current employment.
• If the enterprise requires premises to start trading, the applicant must have identified a property and be able to confirm an agreement in principle.

Where do I apply?

You can apply for this fund here: Apply Now

How is the application assessed and how long will it take?

Please see our FAQ section for more details

After the assessment, your idea goes to our Board of Directors for a decision. You should receive a decision within 12-14 weeks of application. You may also receive a request for more information or an adjustment to your application.

Grant priorities

Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria can benefit from a Get Started grant and we assess each application on its individual merits. At this point, we can only support people who have not been previously awarded this grant.

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Have a question?

Please check our FAQ section for any basic questions. You can also email gebbs@oakfieldtrust.ie or call 086 1279 362.