Last call for entries for Westmeath companies and community groups in €1,000 grant scheme

The RISE Community Fund is giving cash grants to empower the digital strategies of businesses, farms, community groups and social enterprises across County Westmeath

The RISE Community Fund supported by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) and Granahan McCourt has issued its last call for entries in its programme to deliver grants to small businesses, farms, community groups and social enterprises in Westmeath. 

Established by Granahan McCourt and NBI Chairman, 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. 

Applications for the cash grants are currently open in Westmeath with the deadline closing on 26^th March 2023. Up to five grants of €1000 will be available to successful applicants across the county.

“The application process is incredibly quick and easy, and successful applicants will be notified by early April, with money following in quick succession. We can’t wait to see the entrepreneurial ideas from Westmeath,” said Orla O’Malley, Programme Director at RISE.

The RISE Community Fund launched last year to empower people’s plans to use technology and has already distributed over 60 grants. 

David McCourt, founder of RISE and Chairman of Granahan McCourt and NBI, commented: “We know there are some amazing people doing extraordinary things to bring value to their local communities throughout Westmeath, 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: “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 Westmeath.” NBI is reminding Westmeath residents to also visit their website at www.nbi.ie to check whether their home, farm or business is included in the National Broadband Plan and to sign up for Eircode specific updates on the rollout.