Free Back for Business programme seeking applications from Mayo

RECENTLY returned to Mayo to set up your own business? Or do you want to move home?

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. Mayo or are still living abroad but thinking of returning to Mayo 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 January 15.

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 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 from Co. Mayo include Anna O’Grady and JP Garvin. Having experienced at first hand the benefits of participation in Back for Business, they encourage others to apply for the programme.

Anna O’Grady, co-founder of Dogwood Designs, said: “It has been an amazing experience taking part in Back for Business. I have built up a network of fellow entrepreneurs, both experienced and newbies like myself. It has given me a better understanding of business in Ireland and whilst I don’t have all the answers, I definitely have a better idea of where to go to seek help and advice.

“It has been such a positive experience and I would really recommend it to other returning expats who have returned home to Ireland with a dream.”

JP Garvin, managing director of GDI Ventures, found that the Back for Business programme helped him to develop the skills required to run a business and that the participants were a good source of support for each other.

“You are dealing with a lot of other people who are starting up and returning as well, so you get a lot of tips on things. We’re all learning as we go. There’s nothing like discussions with other business owners to get real practical help,” he says.

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 5 p.m. on Monday, January 15.

For more information or to register your interest in receiving an application form, see https://www.backforbusiness.com/.