The Economic Development Officer helps unemployed individuals who are considering self-employment. We administer the Department of Social & Family Affairs Back to Work Enterprise Allowance Scheme. Guidance and support is offered to individuals and community groups in developing business ideas and getting the business started.

Who Can Avail Of This Service ?

• Individuals who are in receipt of a Social Welfare Payment for over one year.
• Community Groups interested in establishing a community based enterprise.

What Supports Are Available ?

• Back to Work Enterprise Allowance Scheme;
  If you are getting certain Social Welfare Payments and you would like to become self-employed, the BTWEA Scheme allows you to keep a portion of your social welfare payments on a sliding scale for four years as follow:
• 100% of their weekly social welfare benefits in year 1;
• 75% in year 2;
• 50% in year 3;
• 25% in the 4th year; and
• Retain secondary benefits for the four years on the scheme

To qualify you must:

• Be setting up a viable business; and
• o Be in receipt of Jobseekers Benefit, Jobseekers Assistance for at least 2 years;

Or
• Be in receipt of One-Parent Family, Disability Allowance, Blind Pension, Farm Assist, Unemployability Supplement, Pre-Retirement Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Carer’s Allowance, Widow’s or Widower’s (Non-Contributory) Pension, Deserted Wife’s Benefit or Allowance or Prisoner’s Wife’s Allowance for at least 12 months.

Or
• llness Benefit for at least 3 years.


• START YOUR OWN BUSINESS TRAINING: Courses are run on a group basis for people considering self-employment, to help develop their idea and give an insight into the steps involved setting up and running your own business.
• Business Mentoring.
• Small scale financial assistance towards advertising/marketing or the purchase of capital equipment necessary for your business on completing Start Your Own Business Training and progression to business start-up.
• Five free hours Book-keeping support when you commence trading.

Want To Know More ?

Contact the Economic Development Officer.

This service is free