Entrepreneurship programme for returned emigrants in Waterford is ‘Back for Business’!

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

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

This cycle will run from February to June of 2025, and there is no charge for those selected to participate. Up to 50 places will be available nationally. 

Funded by the Irish Abroad Unit in the Department of Foreign Affairs, the programme was created to foster and support entrepreneurial activity among emigrants recently returned to Ireland.

Since launching in 2017, 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 of Back for Business 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. 

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In this new cycle, 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.   

A community is also being formed for previous participants, who will be offered workshops, review round tables and an annual forum.

Former participants from Co Waterford include Daniel Moylan and Kim Whyte. Having experienced at first hand the benefits of participation in Back for Business, they both encourage others to apply for the programme.

Daniel Moylan, managing director of Overland Protection Systems said, “Back for Business has been an essential part of our relocation and start-up in Ireland.  The lead entrepreneur and group offered a safe space and instant support network exactly when we needed.

“The sessions were structured in just the right way to offer guidance on the journey to starting a business in Ireland. We were able to share ideas and knowledge, resolve issues and challenges which we had encountered and to learn and grow as returning entrepreneurs. I can’t say enough how valuable it has been and how lucky I feel to have been a part of the group, who I will definitely keep in touch with going forward. I now feel part of something much bigger, a growing community of likeminded individuals and businesspeople who share a common experience and goal,” he concluded. 

Kim Whyte, founder and managing director of Irish stationary brand Pawpear, said, “I would recommend the Back for Business programme to anyone looking for guidance, support, validation, and a professional network of people who have walked in your shoes and can point out all the potholes, pitfalls and worthwhile routes. You’ll not only make strides in realising your business vision, but you’ll also find your tribe.”

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 is midnight on Thursday, January 16, 2025.

For more information or to register your interest in receiving an application form, please see backforbusiness.com