Rural organisations in the Omagh area can now access support to develop social enterprise ideas, strengthen local services and build more sustainable communities.
Community groups and organisations across rural Omagh and surrounding areas are being encouraged to explore new opportunities available through the Unlocking the Potential of Rural Innovation and Social Enterprise (RiSE) project.
RiSE is a cross-border initiative designed to help rural communities develop social enterprise ideas that can create income, support local services and contribute to long-term economic and community sustainability.
Supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), the project has received €3,971,440 in funding.
RiSE is led by Rural Action in partnership with Irish Rural Link, Social Enterprise Academy in Scotland and Social Enterprise Northern Ireland, with Community Finance Ireland involved as an associate partner.
For rural communities around Omagh, the programme could provide valuable support for organisations looking at new ways to generate income, develop services or turn a community idea into a sustainable social enterprise.
Through training, networking and events, participating organisations will have opportunities to connect with other rural communities, share experiences and gain practical support in areas including income generation, sustainability and improving access to local services.
Three programme strands
RiSE is delivered through three strands:
Strand 1: Social Enterprise Leadership and Development
This strand focuses on developing leadership skills and confidence while helping individuals and organisations build the knowledge and capacity needed to become involved in social enterprise.
Strand 2: Making it Happen
For organisations with an idea they want to develop further, this strand provides practical guidance and support to help turn social enterprise concepts into action.
Strand 3: Youth Social Enterprise
This programme is aimed at young people aged 14 to 25 and is designed to encourage the next generation to explore social enterprise and play a role in creating stronger and more sustainable rural communities.
Who can apply?
RiSE is open to rural organisations across Northern Ireland and the border region of Ireland.
For Strands 1 and 2, organisations must be based in rural settlements with populations of:
- 5,000 people or fewer in Northern Ireland
- 10,000 people or fewer in the border region of Ireland
Strand 3 is open to schools based in settlements of up to 18,000 people, provided rural young people are participating in the programme.
This could make the programme particularly relevant to community organisations, voluntary groups and social enterprises operating across rural areas surrounding Omagh.
How to apply
The closing date for the second round of applications is Friday 9 October 2026.
Organisations interested in taking part can find further information about the programme and submit an expression of interest through the Rural Action website.
Find out more about RiSE and submit an expression of interest: ruralaction.co
