Fine Gael TD for Mayo, Alan Dillon, has welcomed the launch of the 2022 ‘Back for Business’ support programme for returning emigrants to start and develop businesses in Ireland.
The 2022 programme opened on January 4, 2022, for applications, and will run from the end of February to June 2022. After the selection process, up to 50 people will be offered places, with no charge for those selected to participate.
Deputy Dillon said: "With many people returned home from overseas over the Christmas period, this is an ideal opportunity to help bring home more of our young people.
"The ‘Back for Business’ support initiative addresses the challenges that all early-stage entrepreneurs encounter, whose personal and professional networks in Ireland may have weakened since they have been abroad and their knowledge of the domestic entrepreneurial eco system may not be as well developed.
"The programme also focuses on the additional barriers faced by those who have been living outside Ireland for some years.
"While this is not a widely known support at home in Ireland, the earlier rounds of the programme have been incredibly successful.
"For instance, participants on last year’s programme more than tripled their combined workforce and more than doubled their turnover during the six-month cycle of the programme – despite the restrictions placed on businesses as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"I strongly encourage anyone who knows Irish people living abroad who may be interested in the ‘Back for Business’ programme, as it leads to many new Irish business success stories."
The deadline for completed applications for Back to Business is Tuesday, February 15, 2022. For more information or to register your interest in receiving an application form, see www.backforbusiness.com
