Have you recently returned to Co. Tipperary to start a business? Or are you thinking of coming home? ‘Back for Business’ could be the programme for you!
- Government-backed programme aimed at returned emigrants and those returning to Ireland in the near future
- Former Tipperary participant Dr David Cosgrave encourages others to apply
If you have recently returned to Co. Tipperary and are setting up a new business or are living abroad and are thinking of returning home with an idea you want to get off the ground – then Back for Business could be for you.
Back for Business is a development programme, funded from the Government’s Emigrant Support Programme, that was established to foster and support entrepreneurial activity among emigrants returning to live in Ireland.
It 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 in the near future.
It was launched last month Colm Brophy T.D. Minister of State for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora and now the programme is looking for applications for the 2023 programme from those living or hoping to return to Co. Tipperary.
There is no charge for those selected to participate and the closing date for applications is Thursday, January 12th.
Former participants from Co. Tipperary include Dr David Cosgrave who returned to Ireland from Abu Dhabi in 2020 to set up his business, the Exam Performance Institute, in Clonmel. While abroad, David worked as a professor in Abu Dhabi University where he taught Digital Marketing. It was this experience, together with having lectured at universities in Ireland, that prompted David to create the Exam Performance Institute to teach correct exam technique to students.
David said: “Back for Business has been fantastic. I applied for the programme to help commit fully to my business and where I wanted it to go. Our Lead Entrepreneur was excellent. He challenged me to think bigger and always gave great advice on how to get there. I was delighted with the high calibre of people in my group. It was great sharing my experiences with others, who were going through similar situations, and being able to get their input into my decisions.”
This is the sixth year of Back for Business. The support initiative addresses the 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. Their personal and professional networks in Ireland have weakened since they have been abroad and their knowledge of the entrepreneurial ecosystem is not well developed.
There are places for up to 50 entrepreneurs to participate in Back for Business 6. Those interested in learning more can download a brochure and register their interest in receiving an application form by visiting www.backforbusiness.
Those selected to join Back for Business 6 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 Lead Entrepreneurs, who participate in a voluntary capacity, are the backbone of the Back for Business initiative. This year’s Lead Entrepreneurs are: Hannah Wrixon, founder of WrkWrk, formerly known as Get the Shifts; 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.
Colm Brophy T.D. Minister of State for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora said:
“Back for Business has been a great success in supporting new businesses founded by returning emigrants across Ireland. New businesses generate economic activity and additional employment across the country.
“I welcome the establishment of a Back for Business Community offering additional support to past participants to further develop their new enterprises. Past participants have made significant progress and I am proud of their achievements.
The deadline for completed applications for Back to Business is Thursday, January 12th, 2023. For more information or to register your interest in receiving an application form, please see www.backforbusiness.com