Some more good news for budding social entrepreneurs: the Arthur Guinness Fund, which last year gave Eur 1 million to ten social enterprises in Ireland, has added some new elements to this year's call. €1m is again being made available to social entrepreneurs who are making a positive and sustainable impact on Irish communities, but there is some positive additional funding:

- The introduction of six categories: Technology and Social Media for Social Good, Skills for Life, Enriching the Environment, Social and Community Regeneration and Culture and Arts and Community Wellbeing.

- A new Challenge Grant, which invites applications from start-up projects seeking both financial and practical support. This will entail up to €25,000 per annum for two years, particularly aimed at innovative new projects.

- The Fund is also seeking applications from social entrepreneurs whose projects are at a more advanced stage of development (2-5 years old) who can demonstrate the positive and sustainable impact they are making on Irish communities. Applicants who have ideally been in operation for two to five years are eligible to receive up to €50,000 in funding per annum for two years.