€1,000 grant scheme now open for Louth companies and community groups

The RISE Community Fund supported by National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company delivering the National Broadband Plan (NBP), has announced that applications for its grants to small businesses, farms, community groups and social enterprises are now open in Louth.

Established by NBI Chairman and technology entrepreneur, David McCourt, RISE is providing monthly grants across the country to give an immediate cash injection into local communities seeking to boost their digital ecosystems. 

Following the route of NBI’s deployment of its new high-speed fibre broadband network, Louth will be amongst some of the first locations to benefit from the RISE Community Fund after it was launched earlier this year.

Up to five grants of €1000 will be available in December to successful applicants across the county. 

David McCourt, founder of RISE and Chairman of NBI, commented: “The RISE Community Fund supported by NBI is calling on small businesses, farms, community groups and social enterprises in Louth to submit their plans to use technology in creative and entrepreneurial ways to deliver maximum impact.

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"We know there are some amazing people doing extraordinary things to bring value to their local communities, and we’re hoping to accelerate and scale their ambitions with the support of these grants.”

Small businesses, farms, community groups and social enterprises with plans to use technology to scale their operations and bring tangible benefits to their local communities are encouraged to visit www. riseglobalfoundation.com for entry forms and guidelines. 

Peter Hendrick, CEO of NBI, added: “At NBI, we’re on a mission to connect over 1.1 million people in rural Ireland who don’t have access to high-speed broadband to a world-class, superfast network.

"Whilst connectivity is a vital utility and a critical first step, it alone can’t solve all of the challenges for businesses, farms, community groups and social enterprises trying to expand the positive impact they’re able to have - both to the local community, and to the wider economy. That’s why we’re incredibly excited to engage local communities with the RISE Community Fund and celebrate innovative uses of technology across Louth.”

Applications for the cash grants open on 1st December 2022 and close on 30th December 2022. 

“The application process has been made incredibly quick and easy, and successful applicants will be notified by early January, with money following in quick succession.

"We can’t wait to see the entrepreneurial ideas from Louth,” said Orla O’Malley, Programme Director at RISE.