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Members of NetworkIrlande braved the icy conditions to attend the event “Social Entrepreneurship – Business on a Human Scale” at the Embassy of Ireland on Thursday 8th February, and were rewarded with a fascinating and inspiring discussion on the role of the social entrepreneur in business today.
NetworkIrlande was delighted to welcome Ciara Donlon, CEO of Theya Healthcare, Olivia Lazare Bertaux, Senior Programme Manager at Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards and Hans Wahl, Director INSEAD Social Entrepreneurship Programme as speakers to this panel discussion chaired by Sinéad Lonergan, Manager of Enterprise Ireland France.
In her opening remarks, Deirdre Farrell, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Ireland, noted that the timing of the event was timely and relevant, referring to the growing awareness of social responsibility in business in Ireland and to the Irish government’s commitment to social entrepreneurship through the funding provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development for Social Innovation Fund Ireland, created by the government in 2013. €50 million in funding has also been provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development for social impact projects.
Terry McGivern, Vice-President of NetworkIrlande and COO of Smurfit Kappa extended his thanks to Deirdre Farrell and the Embassy for their continued support and to Ambassador O’Brien in her role as Honorary President of the network. He also acknowledged the contribution of the members to the success of NetworkIrlande’s events and praised their “active membership”, vital to the success of every association. In his conclusion he spoke of the growing belief in corporate social responsibility, and of Smurfit Kappa’s investments in CSR initiatives across the world.
“What is your definition of Social Entrepreneurship?” - the first question of the evening to Hans Wahl paved the way for a lively and animated discussion on creating successful businesses with social impact. In the course of the evening Hans Wahl described INSEAD’s work in assisting social entrepreneurs since the establishment of its Social Entrepreneurship Programme in 2006, while Olivia Lazare Bertaux shared inspiring stories of previous finalists at the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards, and commented on the processes involved in selecting 6 finalists from 2800 applicants. Ciara Donlon spoke to Sinead Lonergan about how her interactions with women recovering from breast cancer had led to the founding of Theya Healthcare and the challenges she faced by in turning an idea into a financially sustainable and profitable business.
The Q&A that followed made reference to female entrepreneurs, “profit + purpose” and sustainable tourism, with excellent interactions between members and the panel. Nick O’Conor, NetworkIrlande Board member and President of France Trade Connect, made the concluding remarks with thanks to the members of the panel and Sinead Lonergan. The evening ended with an enjoyable networking cocktail for members and guests.
For more information in relation to this event see:
Social Innovation Fund Ireland
Enterprise Ireland support for entrepreneurs
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