By Michelle Crean

Going Green, KASI Cafe and Refill Store has been awarded €10,000 funding for business supports.

The local non-governmental organisation (NGO) based on Beech Road, which opened its doors in October last year is one of 34 social enterprises around Ireland to receive funding and support from Rethink Ireland under their Social Enterprise Development Fund.

KASI has been providing practical, moral and social support to Asylum Seekers, Refugees and other Migrants since 2000.

Their work evolved from providing the necessary services and support to the new communities like providing information, practical help - filling in forms, advocacy work, referrals, outreach work; to organising various social and integration activities; to in recent years setting up social enterprises to create employment through training, placements and employment in the project itself. Their latest social enterprise, Going Green KASI Café and Zero Waste Refill Store, addresses social, economic and environmental issues.

Rethink Ireland’s Social Enterprise Development Fund has awarded €400,000 to 16 projects around Ireland, while a further 18 projects have been awarded a place on the organisation’s Genesis Programme which provides strategic business support to organisations. The Genesis Programme is an intensive two-day workshop that will focus on building the skills and knowledge needed to develop a sustainable social enterprise and to be successful in future funding opportunities.

“We would like to congratulate Going Green, KASI Cafe and Refill Store on their success in receiving a Social Enterprise Development Fund Award from Rethink Ireland,” Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell, said.

"Coming out of an extremely challenging period for Irish society – and Irish businesses – we’re delighted with this good news story for Kerry. Social enterprises have an important role to play in guiding Ireland to be come a more inclusive and equal society. Organisations like Going Green, KASI Cafe and Refill Store are leading the charge by not only creating jobs but working towards bringing about positive social change.”