As soon as you register Self employed, you automatically lose social benefits, if you received them. Not everyone can afford it. That is why there is a small business support program BACK TO WORK ENTERPRISE ALLOWANCE in Ireland. If you fulfill all the conditions of the program and the officer confirms it, you can become a private entrepreneur and:
- The first year you will receive 100 percent of your social benefits
- The second year — 75 percent
Stages of participation in the program:
- Check your local Intreo for the contact details of the program officer in your area
- Write him a letter by e-mail and ask to schedule a meeting
- During the meeting, present your business idea
- If, in the opinion of the officer, your idea is viable, he will provide you with an example of a business plan, start working on it
- Next will be a series of meetings about your business plan, the officer will give advice on what needs to be changed
- When the final part with the business plan is completed, you will be assigned a phone call with another inspector
- If he supports your idea, then you will return to your inspector’s office again to submit the relevant documents for this program
Important cases:
The time of passing all stages of the program takes approximately 6-10 months
According to the terms of the program, it is forbidden to have a similar business before.
After registering as a private entrepreneur, you can apply for a grant of up to 2,500 euros to support your business.