Up to 50 places available on government-backed initiative

Back for Business, a free government programme that helps returned emigrants start and develop businesses in Ireland, is now open for applications.

Now in its eighth cycle, the programme is seeking offers of interest from people who have recently returned to Louth or are still living abroad but thinking of returning in the near future.

Those eligible to apply include returned Irish emigrants who have lived abroad for at least a year and have returned to Ireland in the last three years, and emigrants currently living abroad who are planning to return to Ireland in the near future.

The 8th cycle of the programme will run from February to June 2025 and there is no charge for those selected to participate. Up to 50 places will be available nationally. Eligible candidates have until Thursday, January 16, to submit their applications. Those interested can apply through www.backforbusiness.com.

Since its launch in 2017, with funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Back for Business has helped entrepreneurs who are returned emigrants to significantly grow sales and employment. It addresses challenges that all early-stage entrepreneurs encounter, but also focuses on additional barriers faced by emigrants who have been living away from Ireland.

Participants on the last cycle, Back for Business 7, quadrupled their collective turnover from €300,000 at the start of the programme to €1.2million at its conclusion. Their collective employee numbers also increased from 14 to 47 during the cycle.

Back for Business 8 participants will take part in round table sessions focused on goals and milestones, which are facilitated by voluntary Lead Entrepreneurs who have experience of successfully starting and growing a business.  

The 8th cycle’s Lead Entrepreneurs are: serial entrepreneur Hannah Wrixon; Morgan Browne, CEO of Milner Browne and Enterpryze; Paul Duggan of The Gardiner Group; Seamus Reilly, co-founder and formerly of Critical Healthcare; Sinead Doherty, founder and CEO of Fenero; and Thomas Ennis, founder of the Thomas Ennis Group.

Having experienced at first hand the benefits of participation in Back for Business Jennifer Provan from Co. Louth says she would encourage others to apply for the programme.

Before leaving Ireland, Jennifer was working in hospitality after studying Hospitality Management, and she set up her own catering company and two cafés while living in Glasgow. Ultimately, however, she had always wanted to return to Ireland and, after 21 years in Glasgow.

Jennifer says Back for Business was an amazing experience. “I would highly recommend it. I really enjoyed every minute of it, and I know that all of my group did as well, and we’re all very much in touch since and still supporting each other. It’s been seriously advantageous.”

Back for Business Lead Entrepreneur Thomas Ennis says:

“I was lucky enough to receive excellent mentoring when I was starting out and it made all the difference. It is great to be in a position to give back and to support those at the start of their entrepreneurial journey.”

Back for Business has been designed and is being implemented by Fitzsimons Consulting, specialists in areas related to entrepreneurship and growth.

The deadline for completed applications for Back to Business 8 is midnight on Thursday, January 16th, 2025. For more information or to register your interest and an application form, please see www.backforbusiness.com