Dundalk's Niamh Shaw highlights opportunities for Louth social entrepreneurs

‘Social entrepreneurs supported by Social Entrepreneurs Ireland are up to 50 percent more likely to succeed than those without our backing’. That’s according to Social Entrepreneurs Ireland as it opened its Ideas Academy and Impact Programme for applications from Louth. Since 2004, the not-for-profit has supported over 660 social entrepreneurs across the country who are driving solutions in areas such as mental health, housing, the environment and education.

Engineer, performer and space communicator, Niamh Shaw from Dundalk, created ‘Town Scientist’ to break down barriers to science for families who feel shut out from it. After years translating space and STEM on stage, in classrooms and on TV and radio, she set out a community model, to meet people where they live, co-design learning with local partners, and make complex issues like AI, climate and health tech, practical and relevant to daily life.

‘Town Scientist’, has piloted with parents and marginalised groups in Dundalk (with Louth ABC) and in Birr, using workshops, experiments at home, and citizen-science projects to build confidence and agency around evidence. The work has been supported by Research Ireland and profiled nationally, with an expanded Dundalk programme taking place in 2025.  Niamh is an Ideas Academy 2024 alumnus. 

Speaking at the launch of this year’s programme, which remains open until 20th April, Director of Development at Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Michelle Noone said:

“We know the impact that our programmes have on people and communities across the country and in 2025, an independently verified report* demonstrated how Social Entrepreneurs Ireland contributes to the success and growth of social enterprises across Ireland, with employment, sales, and future funding increased by up to 50 percent and innovation boosted by up to 80 percent.

“There is a wealth of incredible ideas in Louth, and we encourage budding social entrepreneurs and those with more established solutions to social issues to apply for our Ideas Academy and Social Impact programmes, to bring their concepts to the next level.”

The Ideas Academy is a three-month programme designed to provide budding social entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools needed to move from a concept to a tangible pilot.

The Impact Programme is a nine-month programme that supports experienced social entrepreneurs to scale up tried-and-tested solutions to tackle Ireland’s biggest social challenges. Programme participants receive mentorship and peer support.

Social Entrepreneurs Ireland has partnered with energy company DCC plc since 2011.  Since the partnership began Social Entrepreneurs Ireland has received over 3,500 applications from all across Ireland.

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Donal Murphy, Chief Executive Officer at DCC plc, said:

“DCC plc is proud to support Social Entrepreneurs Ireland again in 2026. Over 660 social entrepreneurs have been directly supported over the duration of the partnership.  In addition, Social Entrepreneurs Ireland alumni have created 463 jobs and generated €39.8m in income, so we know that this partnership works!

“We look forward to helping this year’s successful applicants to develop and refine their ideas to affect positive change across Irish society.”

Social Entrepreneurs Ireland will hold information sessions for interested individuals and organisations on 31st March.  Register and apply for the Ideas Academy and The Impact Programme at https://www.socialentrepreneurs.ie/our-programmes/