Guinness raises a glass to social enterprise

The makers of Guinness have launched a social entrepreneurship programme in the UK as part of the Arthur Guinness Fund, a €6m global fund celebrating Guinness’ 250th anniversary last year.

The Guinness Bring It To Life Awards offers 25-35 year olds with innovative urban regeneration ideas the chance to turn them into a reality and make a positive difference to their local community.

Guinness spokesperson Paul Cornell said: ‘The Guinness Bring It To Life Awards aim to help people realise their passions by providing them with the tools and support to really make things happen. The awards aim to have a long term positive impact on thousands of people in local communities across Britain.’

It's working in partnership with with suport providers UnLtd and Rathbone, a UK-wide voluntary organisation for young people, which will provide support and mentoring services such financial management and training.

A total of 19 awards are available. Six are worth up to £15,000 and will fund development of the projects. The other 13, worth up to £2,200 each, will provide start-up funding and help get the ideas off the ground.

Victoria Anderson, director of programmes at UnLtd, said: ‘At a time of great economic and social pressure, we need social entrepreneurs and volunteers more than ever. We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Diageo [Guinness’s parent company] and Rathbone to provide local people who wouldn’t usually have this opportunity with the funds, skills and learning opportunities they need to influence change in their community.’

The closing date for entries is 23 July 2010.

A €2.5m fund for social entrepreneurship was launched in Ireland and Northern Ireland last year as part of the global fund, which recently saw ten projects receive €100,000 each.

To apply for the Guinness Bring It To Life Awards visit www.unltd.org.uk/guinness-bring-it-to-life-awards