Kesh Enterprise Co. Ltd. has joined a major €3.97 million cross-border programme aimed at supporting rural organisations, developing social enterprise and creating new opportunities within local communities.
The Kesh-based organisation is among 19 rural organisations from across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland taking part in the first cohort of the Rural Innovation and Social Enterprise (RiSE) Project.
For Kesh Enterprise, the programme comes at an important time as it looks towards its future development, including the possibility of expanding the Mantlin Enterprise Centre.
Supporting enterprise and the community in Kesh
Established in 1992, Kesh Enterprise Co. Ltd. has spent more than three decades supporting enterprise and community development in the local area.
The organisation manages a range of enterprise and rental facilities, with income generated through its activities reinvested to support the local community and help sustain Kesh Community Centre.
Through the RiSE programme, participating organisations are taking part in activities designed to strengthen leadership, build connections, encourage shared learning and support the development of sustainable social enterprises.
For Kesh Enterprise, that could help shape its plans for the years ahead.
Neville Armstrong, Director of Kesh Enterprise Co. Ltd., said:
“We are delighted to be part of the RiSE programme and see it as a valuable opportunity to look at where we are as an organisation and how we can develop sustainably for the future.”
He said that after managing enterprise facilities locally for many years, the organisation has reached an important point as it considers further development.
One of the possibilities being explored is an expansion of the Mantlin Enterprise Centre.
“With the possibility of expanding our Mantlin Enterprise Centre, we need to consider what that could look like and develop a clear action plan for the way forward.”
Mr Armstrong said Kesh Enterprise hopes the learning, support and expertise available through RiSE will help the organisation explore those opportunities, strengthen its plans and learn from the experiences of other organisations.
Mr Armstrong said Kesh Enterprise hopes the learning, support and expertise available through RiSE will help the organisation explore those opportunities, strengthen its plans and learn from the experiences of other organisations.
He added:
“Ultimately, we want to ensure that any future development continues to benefit the local community and supports the long-term sustainability of our organisation.”
What is the RiSE Project?
The €3.97 million RiSE Project is a cross-community and cross-border initiative supported through PEACEPLUS.
It aims to unlock the potential of social enterprise as a way of supporting sustainability, innovation and long-term growth within rural communities.
The project is led by Rural Action and delivered in partnership with Irish Rural Link, Social Enterprise Academy Scotland and Social Enterprise NI, with Community Finance Ireland as an associate partner.
The first group of organisations came together in June at Galbally Community Centre for an Exploring My Leadership event, followed by a residential in Monaghan during July.
Teresa Canavan, Chief Executive of Rural Action, said:
“It has been fantastic to see the first RiSE cohort come together and to watch the connections, conversations and ideas already beginning to develop.”
She said the participating organisations bring a wealth of experience, ambition and commitment to their rural communities, with one of RiSE’s strengths being its ability to bring organisations together across communities and borders.
More opportunities ahead
The programme will continue over the coming months, with a one-day Northern Ireland study visit planned for September followed by a three-day visit to Scotland in October.
These will provide opportunities for participating organisations to see social enterprise in practice, exchange ideas and bring new learning back to their communities.
September will also see the beginning of RiSE Schools, a youth-focused element of the project which will give young people opportunities to explore social enterprise, innovation and social action.
Expressions of Interest are now open for the next group of rural organisations wishing to participate in RiSE, with applications due to close on Friday 9th October 2026.
The RiSE project has received €3,971,440 through the PEACEPLUS programme, which is co-funded by the European Union, the UK Government, the Government of Ireland and the Northern Ireland Executive.
