CORK Chamber of Commerce aims to mark its 200th anniversary with a drive to raise €200,000 to help budding entrepreneurs through a special social innovation fund.

The fundraising, which will run over six months, aims to raise €100,000 with a matching €100,000 then being provided by the Department of Rural and Community Affairs.

The special fund will operate in conjunction with Social Innovation Fund Ireland (SIFI) – and will be open to entrepreneurs and projects that aim to address issues such as health, social inclusion, local economic development and environmental protection.

Not-for-profit enterprises are the target beneficiaries of the funding.

Projects to be supported under the fund will be announced in November.

Cork Chamber President Bill O’Connell said the ambitious project is the cornerstone of their 200th anniversary programme.

“Social innovation projects have a hugely important role to play in local communities and this project gives everyone a chance to become a philanthropist,” he said.

Cork Chamber will mark their 200th anniversary with a lavish dinner next week to be attended by President Michael D Higgins.

Those interested in supporting the Cork Chamber 1819 Fund can do so via gofundme.com/cork-chamber-1819-fund or by contacting Cork Chamber directly.

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