Press Release, 30 March 2017
BNest 2016/2017 Programme Showcase
BNest, the first dedicated Social Enterprise Incubator Programme in Ireland, being run in partnership with Nexus Innovation Centre UL, held a showcase event last Friday (24th) for its 2016/2017 programme. At the event the nine graduating enterprises showcased their enterprises demonstrating the progress in their endeavors which are achieving real social impact across the mid-west. The nine completing participants directly address real challenges in the region dealing with various issues form Autism to ADHD to child-centered therapies, mental health, disabilities and rural isolation.
BNest 2016/2017 Programme Participants
Dr Briga Hynes, Lecturer In Entrepreneurship, Director Masters In International Entrepreneurship Management, Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick
2016/17 participants
Suzanne Roche and Karen Keene
Limericks’s Gateway to Education (Suzanne Roche & Karen Keene): Helping those struggling in early education overcome their difficulties and open a real world of opportunity for them.
Dermot Carroll
Doonmoon Care Farm (Dermot Carroll): Providing a restorative space for those struggling with the mental challenges of their lives.
Bridget Kelly & Evelyn Pepperrell
ADD MidWest (Bridget Kelly & Evelyn Pepperrell): Reach out to individuals and families struggling with the impact of Attention Deficient Disorder across the Midwest with meaningful practical help.
Elaine Murphy
Meitheal Le Capaill Therapeutic Centre (Elaine Murphy): Utilising Equine based therapy to help trauma recover in the most vulnerable.
Ruth Gilhool
YaYa ACE (Ruth Gilhool): Helping those on the autistic spectrum both contribute and gain satisfaction from meaningful contribution to society that allows them to fully utilise their individual and unique skill sets.
Ronnie Moore
Camphill Carrick-on-Suir (Ronnie Moore & the Carrick Camphill Community): Expanding the opportunities of those with intellectual difficulties to engage and contribute to broader society in ways that recognise their true humanity.
Noel McCarthy
Right Steps (Noel McCarthy): A unique programme that helps empowers individuals who may feel intimidated or oppressed in our current society to feel more comfortable and respected for who they are.
Liam Fleming
Siul Eile (Liam Fleming): Helping tackle rural isolation by facilitating people to interact in a simple way through exploring their own communities and environments.
Rachel Reilly
PALLS (Margaret Griffin & Rachel Reilly): Actively working with ex-offenders to help create meaningful and practical opportunities to allow them to build new positive lives.
BNest Connect
The nine will now continue as part of the BNest Connect programme that was officially launched during the showcase event. BNest Connect is new easy to volunteer – helping to connect vibrant social enterprises with skilled professionals, that are willing to give few hours of their time, using their best skills and experience.
BNest Workshops
BNest will shortly be announcing a number of dates locally, of one day workshops for people who are striving to find their unique path to creating social change whether that be via social advocacy, idea generation or social enterprise.