Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme(SICAP)

Support social enterprises to address collective community needs The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme provides direct financial support that can make a significant difference to people by giving them the financial assistance they need to put their business ideas into practice. SICAP supports the establishment and expansion of social enterprises to address collective community needs, including employing those who are most marginalised. In turn, this can foster the establishment of local services where other enterprises may not be in a position to do so. From 2024, once-off enterprise start-up grants may assist an individual to set up a business. Who is it for? SICAP supports a range of disadvantaged and marginalised groups in society who are unable or unlikely to access mainstream supports.  You might be eligible if: You are an individual who is starting a business You are a business operating using a social enterprise model whereby your enterprise generates non-public funding by charging for goods and services delivered To be eligible for support, social enterprises (SEs) supported under SICAP must provide services to one or more of the 12 named target groups, including the provision of employment or training opportunities, and/or focus on addressing one or more of the programme’s eight thematic focus areas.  The 12 SICAP target groups include:  People living in disadvantaged communities People impacted by educational disadvantage People living in jobless households or households where the primary income source is low-paid and/or precarious People who are long-term unemployed People with a criminal history Refugees International Protection applicants Disabled people/people with disabilities Heads of one-parent families Travellers Roma Island residents Local SEs should contact their nearest Programme Implementing (PI) organisation (available on the Pobal website) for further details and support. Type of support: Grants