SEDCo

Rónán set up Social Enterprise Development Company (SEDCo) in 2014 to help social entrepreneurs in Ireland set up businesses in Ireland. SEDCo offers unlimited advice, support and office space for their social businesses, working closely with them to ensure success. Rónán self-started SEDCo by raising €60,000 ($67,479) Social Entrepreneurs 13 social businesses were set up and along with SEDCo, have an annual turnover in excess of €400,000, and employ 30 people including six full-time staff. There are also 24 part-time volunteers working 15 hours a week. On average the entrepreneurs use six hours of advice a week. Similar advice offered at ‘Start your own business’ workshop costs €200 for 30 hours of classes’ equivalent to €6.70 ($7.50) per hour. The office space used would normally cost €540 ($607.30) per month for a two-person office in Dublin City Centre. The enterprises stay with SEDCo for as long as they need their services and when they outgrow the space, the whole team moves on. SEDCo has also received upwards of €40,000 ($44,950) in philanthropic and government donations because of their success