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The Chairman's Network adopts the Fredericks Foundation as its nominated charity

The Chairman’s Network is delighted to adopt the Fredericks Foundation as its nominated charity for 2010. The Fredericks Foundation was set up by Paul Barry-Walsh in 2001 and is a charity that helps disadvantaged people to set up, or expand their own business as a means to achieve financial independence while rebuilding their confidence and self esteem.

The foundation provides a comprehensive range of business support and microloan funding for start-ups and small businesses. In doing so it enables people who cannot access finance, through the usual channels, to realise their potential for the benefit of themselves and their families.

Fredericks relies on volunteers to give its clients the best possible chance of succeeding in their business. Traditionally many of these helpers have become mentors and performed an invaluable role in providing wisdom and support to people who are taking their first steps in establishing their enterprises.

The charity’s lending decisions are made by a volunteer panel with experience in banking, accounting and entrepreneurial sectors. They meet monthly, and volunteer panel members are given paperwork to assess these loan applications in advance. Should you decide to volunteer, your commitment would be to come to the panel for a full day, or half day, probably no more than twice a year. (Most volunteers will be asked to attend a panel meeting as a member, or observer to gain an understanding of the way that Fredericks operates). We would also like you to have had experience of a successful business start-up.

There are other ways in which volunteers help (fundraising, an ambassadorial role in your community, marketing support etc) and Fredericks would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact Fredericks for more details and to arrange a meeting.