Significant potential to develop new Social Enterprises exists in South Kerry but there are key needs that both existing and new enterprises require in order to develop. That’s among the findings of the recently launched South Kerry Social Enterprise Strategy, which was commissioned by South Kerry Development Partnership and funded through the LEADER Programme.
The report has identified 3 specific objectives to assist the continuation and future development of the sector in South Kerry. These are the need for sectoral capacity and development, the need to develop networks and collaboration between organisations involved in the sector as well outlining the steps required to accelerate the development of Social Enterprises in the region between now and 2025.
The launch event, which was held in Listry Community Centre, heard that 30% of the existing social enterprises in South Kerry are in existence for more than 40 years and they all are unique in that they provide services that otherwise wouldn’t exist. Examples of social enterprises in the region include visitor attractions, childcare and meal on wheels services. Mens Sheds are examples of newer social enterprises that have come on stream in the last number of years.
Among the challenges facing the sector include the age profile amongst those involved in running the enterprises, dealing with the effects of reduced revenue and dependency on external sources of funding, the impact dealing with every increasing compliance issues is having on enterprises and the difficulties for enterprises in undertaking strategic planning and continuity.
A copy of the full report is available to download HERE
