The RISE Community Fund is giving €1000 cash grants to empower the digital strategies of businesses, farms, community groups and social enterprises across County Monaghan

The RISE Community Fund supported by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) and Granahan McCourt has announced that applications for its grants to small businesses, farms, community groups and social enterprises are open throughout July in County Monaghan.

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. 

Awarding up to five grants of €1000 in July to successful applicants across the county, the RISE Community Fund is hoping to empower people’s plans to use technology. 

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

NBI is reminding Monaghan 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. 

Applications for the cash grants open on 1st July 2023 and close on 31st July 2023. “The application process has been made incredibly quick and easy, and successful applicants will be notified by early August, with money following in quick succession. We can’t wait to see the entrepreneurial ideas from Monaghan,” said Orla O’Malley, Programme Director at RISE.

Photo caption: National Broadband Ireland Chief Marketing Officer, Tara Collins, Chair, David McCourt and Chief Executive Officer, Peter Hendrick with Minister for Rural & Community Development, Heather Humphreys