Social Enterprise
South West Mayo Development Company (SWMDC), through the SICAP programme, provides tailored supports to both new and established social enterprises in the region, especially those addressing community needs and supporting marginalized groups. A dedicated Social Enterprise Project Officer offers one-to-one mentoring, training, and expert advice.
SWMDC facilitates networking though the Mayo Social Enterprise Network established in 2023 by connecting social enterprises with peers, community groups, and stakeholders, and keeps them informed about relevant national and local events.
The supports focus on empowering social enterprises to tackle challenges in leadership, advocacy, collaboration, business development, and measuring social impact.
In addition to practical guidance, SWMDC helps social enterprises access grants and funding through SICAP, LEADER, and other programmes. While challenges remain—such as funding and recruitment—SWMDC continues to champion and strengthen the social enterprise sector in South West Mayo, helping it deliver meaningful community benefits.
For more information, please contact:
| Olivia Kitterick | okitterick@southmayo.com | 087 060 4724 | Enterprise & Social Enterprise Officer |
Who is eligible for SICAP?
SICAP recognises that disadvantage is experienced more strongly by groups of people in society and in particular geographic communities. SICAP takes a dual approach to targeting disadvantage and social exclusion by targeting communities in need by taking an area-based approach, and individuals in need by taking an issue-based approach. There are twelve SICAP target groups as follows:
* Disadvantaged Children and Families
* Disadvantaged Young People (aged 15-24)
* Disadvantaged Women
* Lone Parents
* Low Income Workers/Households
* New Communities
* People living in Disadvantaged Communities
* People with Disabilities
* Roma
* The Disengaged from the Labour Market (Economically Inactive)
* The Unemployed
* Travellers
* Disadvantaged Children and Families
* Disadvantaged Young People (aged 15-24)
* Disadvantaged Women
* Lone Parents
* Low Income Workers/Households
* New Communities
* People living in Disadvantaged Communities
* People with Disabilities
* Roma
* The Disengaged from the Labour Market (Economically Inactive)
* The Unemployed
* Travellers
