Back For Business programme seeking applicants from Sligo
APPLICATIONS are now open for the latest cycle of a free government programme that helps returned or returning emigrants start and develop businesses in Ireland.
Funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Back for Business was created to foster and support entrepreneurial activity among emigrants returning to live in Ireland.
Back for Business is for those who have returned — or are considering returning — to Ireland and plan to start a business here. This is the seventh year of the programme and there are up to 50 places available.
Applications are invited from those who have recently returned to Co. Sligo or are still living abroad but thinking of returning to Co. Sligo in the near future.
Back for Business 7 will run from February to June 2024. There is no charge for those selected to participate and the closing date for submitting completed applications is 5pm on Monday, January 15, 2024. Those interested can register their interest in receiving an application form on www.backforbusiness.com.
Back for Business is aimed at those who have lived abroad for at least a year and have returned in the last three years or those planning to return soon. It addresses challenges that all early-stage entrepreneurs encounter, but also focuses on the additional barriers faced by those who have been living outside Ireland for some years.
Participants on last year’s programme increased their combined workforce by 17 employees and those that were trading almost tripled their combined turnover from €632,000 to €1.7 million.
Early stage entrepreneurs who have started a business in the last three years or who are about to start a business are being sought. Strong preference will be given to those who have returned to Ireland and who expect to become an employer of others within three years. There is no restriction on the sector in which the new business is focussed.
Those selected to join Back for
Business 7 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.
This year’s Lead Entrepreneurs are serial entrepreneurs Hannah Wrixon and Paul Coyle; Morgan Browne, CEO of Milner Browne and Enterpryze;
Paul Duggan of The Gardiner Group; Seamus Reilly, co-founder and formerly of Critical Healthcare; and Thomas Ennis, founder of the Thomas Ennis Group.
Former participants include Kevin Finn, who having gained extensive international experience from a UK base, returned home to Sligo and set up KF Physio. KF Physio provides training and education for healthcare professionals in the sports injury sector, alongside advising athletes with an injury prevention consultancy service. Kevin took part in the second cycle of Back for Business and then participated in the further development phase. He is enthusiastic about the benefits he obtained from participation in Back for Business and encourages others to apply.
Kevin said: “The Back for Business programme provides access to expert mentors, practical workshops and a supportive network of peers throughout the cycle and beyond. It has been invaluable for my business since returning home. I highly recommend
Back for Business and strongly encourage recently returned entrepreneurs to apply.”
Seán Fleming, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs with responsibility for International Development and Diaspora said: “Since 2018, Back for Business has helped large numbers of returning emigrants to seed and nurture their business ideas. I would encourage people with a business idea who might be thinking of coming home – or have returned recently - to apply for selection.”
Back for Business has been designed and is being implemented by Fitzsimons Consulting, specialists in areas related to entrepreneurship and growth.
The deadline for submitting completed applications for Back to Business is 5pm on Monday, January 15.
For more information or to register your interest in receiving an application form, please visit www.backforbusiness.com