Exactly what region does the programme cover?

NetWORKS covers all of Northern Ireland and the six border counties of Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan, and Louth.

What sorts of groups are eligible to participate?

Any community based group within the specified region who have been trading (generating some form of income) for at least two years, and have as a core objective to become commercially sustainable. UCIT Loan holders are also eligible to participate in this programme.

What topics are covered on the programme?

The programme content is very much geared toward the needs of the participants and therefore has no fixed topics. However, topics covered to date have included, finance & fundraising, corporate governance & the role of the board, marketing communications, strategic planning, and project development.

Is the programme interactive?

Participants are encouraged to discuss and debate issues which arise at residentials and workshops. Mentoring sessions are also a two way process rather than a lecture.

We are currently not dependent on grant aid; can we avail of this service?

Yes, you can apply if your vision for the future involves continued commercial sustainability.

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Testimonial:- 
"Thanks for the opportunity to participate in the NetWORKS Programme. It was a very worthwhile exercise for us and enjoyable as well. Keep up the good work"
- (Marie Browne, & Shauna McLaughlin, Foyle Women's Aid, Derry.)
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Our group has been beset with many problems over the years, to the point funding agencies/financial institutions are no longer encouraged to provide technical assistance where required. Should we apply?

Yes, you should apply. This service has been set up for such organisations beset with problems that may benefit strongly from professional objective mentoring.

When you say free training and mentoring, do you mean totally free?

Yes. There is no cost involved to participate in this programme. Participants will however have to cover their own travel costs to and from workshops, field study and residential events.

Where do the residentials and workshops take place?

This is highly dependent on the geographical make-up of the successful participants and cannot be properly determined until the participating Social Enterprises are decided upon. However both types of events will take place within the region being served and all efforts are made to strike a balance between hosting sessions on either side of the border.

How much commitment is expected from delegates and members of our Board?

Participating groups must nominate two delegates who are prepared to attend each of the three residentials, three cross border workshops, and field study visit, during the course of the programme. The ten on-site mentoring sessions should attract a representation of board members on each occasion.

What if I can't attend a particular event?

Groups are encouraged to identify alternative prospective attendees in case such a circumstance should arise.

Who are the mentors used in the programme, and what are their backgrounds?

Each group will have information on their respective mentor assigned to them prior to their first meeting. In this way if the group is not satisfied, we can change the mentor accordingly.