Applications being sought for free programme that supports returning emigrants starting a business in Ireland

Back for Business, the free programme aimed at supporting returned or soon-to-be-returning Irish emigrants to start and develop a business in Ireland, is seeking new applicants for its ninth cycle.

The development programme, which is funded by the Irish Abroad Unit, Department of Foreign Affairs, was created to foster and support entrepreneurial activity among emigrants recently returned to Ireland.

In opening the call for applicants, Neale Richmond, TD, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, said: “I am acutely aware of the barriers that are faced by those returning to Ireland, and this is why the Programme for Government contains a specific commitment to provide support to assist Irish people living abroad who want to return.

“Back for Business is a concrete example of the practical support that is provided through the Government’s Emigrant Support Programme, to equip early-stage entrepreneurs with the knowledge, confidence, and networks to successfully start and develop sustainable businesses.”

Those interested in finding out more about the programme should check out the website and register their interest on www.backforbusiness.com, and an application form will be sent to them, with the deadline to apply Friday, January 16th.

Up to 50 places will be available on Back for Business 9, which will run from February to June 2026. The Launch Forum and first round table event will take place on February 13th.

Back for Business is for returned Irish emigrants who have lived abroad for at least a year and have returned to Ireland in the last three years, or for emigrants currently living abroad who are planning to return to Ireland in the near future.

Since launching in 2017, the programme has helped participants 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.

Those who completed last year’s programme, Back for Business 8, were very positive in their feedback with 100% saying they would recommend the programme to others and would like to stay in contact with the Back for Business community.

In terms of their overall experience, Back for Business 8 participants rated it 4.5 out of a possible 5, with 93% considering the experience either extremely positive or very positive. A total of 97% felt nearer to achieving their ambitions since participating in Back for Business.

At the start of the last cycle, under half of the group were trading, but over the course of the programme, this had increased to over two-thirds. The combined turnover of the participants was €1,425,000 at the start of the cycle. By the end, this had increased to €2,594,000, while employment numbers increased from 29 to 80 during the six months.

Participants on Back for Business 9 will meet once a month on a peer-supported round table, facilitated by voluntary Lead Entrepreneurs who have experience of successfully 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: Gillian O’Dowd, Director at Azon; Paul Duggan of The Gardiner Group; Seamus Reilly, co-founder and formerly of Critical Healthcare; Sinéad Doherty, founder and CEO of Fenero; and Thomas Ennis, founder of the Thomas Ennis Group.

Back for Business past participant Aoife Mathews was based in Madrid when she co-founded SISTERLY, a female supplement company, alongside Jennifer O’ Connell and Louise O’Riordan. She is very clear about the importance of that early support.

“One of the best decisions I made when I began my entrepreneurial journey was joining the Back for Business programme. Having spent most of my career outside of Ireland, the programme provided not only structure and guidance, but also a collaborative community of ambitious founders.”

Back for Business past participant Dave McCormack of Fluent says: “Back for Business is an extraordinary programme that gives returning emigrants the confidence, network, and practical know-how to turn business ideas into reality in Ireland. The calibre of the Lead Entrepreneurs is exceptional – seasoned founders from diverse industries who share real, hard-won insights. It’s rare to find a space that is so open, supportive, and energising. This is a programme that can genuinely change your business journey.”

Back for Business, past participant Ralph Benson of Moneycube says: “Starting a business in Ireland after years abroad can be disorienting. Ireland has changed; you’ve changed. Back for Business helped bring things into focus – for me, for our business and our customers.”

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 for Back to Business 9 is midnight on Friday, January 16th, 2025. For more information or to register your interest in receiving an application form, please see www.backforbusiness.com.