'Back for Business' programme seeking Irish emigrants starting businesses in Ireland
Pictured is (L-R) Dave McCormack, VAAS, Seán Fleming, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs with responsibility for International Development and Diaspora, recent participant Laura McDermott, Collectivo and Lead Entrepreneur Thomas Ennis, Thomas Ennis Group. Pic Orla Murray/Coalesce
A programme aimed at Irish emigrants is seeking applications from those who wish to return and develop a business in Ireland.
Founded in 2018, the Back for Business programme was created to support entrepreneurial activity among emigrants returning to Ireland. Now in its seventh year, its newest cycle will run from February to June 2024.
The programme is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs, with the fresh call for applicants launched by Seán Fleming, TD, Minister of State with responsibility for International Development and Diaspora.
"Since 2018, Back for Business has helped large numbers of returning emigrants to seed and nurture their business ideas," said Mr Fleming.
"I would encourage people with a business idea who might be thinking of coming home – or have returned recently - to apply for selection."
The programme aims to benefit those who have lived abroad for at least a year and have returned in the last three years. It also includes those who are abroad and are soon to return. The cycle 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 will meet once a month at a peer-supported table, facilitated by voluntary Lead Entrepreneurs who have experience of starting and growing a business. Many of them have also lived abroad before returning to Ireland to start their business.
This year’s Lead Entrepreneurs are serial entrepreneur Hannah Wrixon; Morgan Browne, CEO of Milner Browne and Enterpryze; serial entrepreneur, Paul Coyle; Paul Duggan of The Gardiner Group; Seamus Reilly, co-founder and formerly of Critical Healthcare; and Thomas Ennis, founder of the Thomas Ennis Group.
There is no cost to those selected and te closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday the 15th of January 2024.
