OREANDA-NEWS. Nornickel will support social entrepreneurship by sponsoring five projects addressing social issues of the local communities. For the third year in a row, the Company has been implementing a programme for socially responsible entrepreneurship development across its regions of operation (the cities of Norilsk and Monchegorsk, Taimyrsky Dolgano-Nenetsky Municipal District and Pechengsky District). This year, Nornickel will support the projects by allocating RUB 11.5 m in the form of interest-free loans repayable in two years for their development.

“We are proud with the number of projects and the pace at which the social entrepreneurship programme develops. We already have one loan repaid by one social entrepreneur, which means that the mechanism is working. Some projects are very interesting and important. They spark interest from the audience: people ask questions, which means that the project touches a nerve and highlights some pressing issues. After all, the projects brought in are merely a response to existing problems,” said Igor Sukhotin, Head of Charitable Programs Department at Nornickel.

Twelve business projects were presented at the investment sessions held in Norilsk and Monchegorsk. Prior to that, the Company staged a course in social entrepreneurship consisting of four training sessions taking the participants all the way from the business idea to the real project. Around one hundred participants got an insight into establishing, maintaining and promoting social business.

When preparing their business projects, the participants were assisted by experienced mentors (businessmen and members of the Social Entrepreneurs Club opened in the city of Norilsk and the Murmansk Region two years ago). The club is open for programme alumni and everyone interested in social entrepreneurship. The club members are provided with counselling and other support, they can find business partners and raise the required resources.