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Three local organisations, Clonduff Development Enterprise Ltd. in Hilltown, Rural Health Partnership in Cullyhanna and Changing Cycles, Meigh are among the first cohort taking part in the €3.97 million Rural Innovation and Social Enterprise (RiSE) Project a cross border community initiative which aims to unlock the potential of social enterprise as a driver of sustainability, innovation and long-term growth within rural communities.
A total of 19 rural organisations from the border counties are now engaged in a programme of learning, development and collaboration.
The initiative supported by PEACEPLUS is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and led by Rural Action and delivered in partnership with Irish Rural Link, Social Enterprise Academy Scotland and Social Enterprise NI (SENI), with Community Finance Ireland as an associate partner, combining experience and expertise in rural development, social enterprise and learning to support participating organisations throughout their RiSE journey.
Majella Gollogly from Rural Health Partnership said: "We are very keen to learn how we can diversify our income in the future, and the RiSE programme is giving us an opportunity to explore that. It has been really beneficial to meet other organisations, find out what they are doing and share best practice, as well as exploring opportunities for collaboration on future projects. It is particularly valuable to learn from organisations that are further ahead in their social enterprise journey and to see how they have organised and developed themselves. There is so much we can learn from their experiences and I believe that learning will be very beneficial to us as we look at how we can develop and strengthen our organisation for the future."
Since beginning their RiSE journey, the organisations have been taking part in a programme of activity designed to strengthen leadership, build connections, encourage shared learning and support the development of sustainable social enterprise activity. The cohort came together for the first time in June at Galbally Community Centre for the 'Exploring My Leadership' cluster event, followed in July by a residential in Monaghan.
Martina Byrne from Clonduff Development Enterprise Ltd added: "What we have learned is that you need a creative thinking mindset in the social enterprise sector, and every day is a learning day. We are currently working to regenerate the former Church of Ireland building. Our ambition is to transform this historic building into a sustainable social enterprise incorporating an arts and performance space, co-working facilities and a café. Being part of RiSE comes at a really important time for us. As we move towards the next stage of the project, we hope the learning, support and connections we gain through the programme will help us develop our social enterprise plans and create something that will have a lasting benefit for Clonduff and the surrounding community."
The programme will continue over the coming months, with a one-day Northern Ireland study visit planned for September, followed by a three-day study visit to Scotland in October, giving participating organisations further opportunities to experience social enterprise in practice, exchange ideas and bring new learning back to their communities. September will also see the start of RiSE Schools, the youth-focused element of the project, creating opportunities for young people to explore social enterprise, innovation and social action.
Teresa Canavan, Chief Executive of Rural Action, said: "It has been fantastic to see the first RiSE cohort come together and to watch the connections, conversations and ideas already beginning to develop. These organisations bring a wealth of experience, ambition and commitment to their rural communities. One of the real strengths of RiSE is the partnership approach behind the programme and the opportunity it creates to bring people and organisations together across communities and borders. We are only at the beginning of their journey, but there is already a real sense of energy and enthusiasm about what can be achieved."
Expressions of Interest for the next RiSE cohort are now open and will close on Friday 9 October 2026, offering another opportunity for rural organisations from Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland to get involved. Full details and the Expression of Interest form are available on the Rural Action website at www.ruralaction.co.
PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.
