The reality of life, despite the booming economy, is that some people, often technically skilled, find themselves unemployed and in need of guidance and support. Thankfully, many have the courage and vision to come up with a business idea and to explore self employment as an option. In undertaking the Partnership’s Start Your Own Business Training and engaging with the Economic Enterprise Development Officer the potential viability of the business idea can be evaluated in a confidential manner.

There is no better way to demonstrate this element of the Partnership’s work than to describe one of its’ many success stories. Of course, as well as being a success story, each one is also a human interest story, which should serve as an encouragement to anyone who is currently unemployed and may be willing to consider the possibility of running their own business.

With her permission, we are happy to relate the story of Taine King from Castleblayney who has come through the Partnership’s programme and is now ready to formally launch her own photography, design and picture framing studio on the main street of her home town.

Despite graduating with a degree in multimedia and completing a Masters in Professional Design Practice, Taine was unable to get full-time employment locally in her chosen profession. While on Unemployment Allowance (now called Job Seekers Allowance) Taine completed a FAS job placement and then went on to become a client of County Monaghan Partnership availing of the Start Your Own Business initiative. This included participation in a free 6 week business training course (one evening per week) which assisted her with the completion of a business plan for her business and which was also used to sourced the initial finance for her business. Taine then went on to complete safety statement workshops for 2 evenings which facilitated her with the completion of a safety statement for her business. Partnership guidance was also provided with registration of the business name and support with registration for tax purposes. On completion of the training and necessary paperwork, and having sourced a suitable premises, Taine waited until she had fully evaluated her idea prior to investing in fitting it out as a studio and purchasing the essential equipment. Having completed the Start Your Own Business Programme she was entitled to the Back To Work Enterprise Allowance Scheme. County Monaghan Partnership with funding from the Department of Social and Family Affairs provided a small scale financial assistance towards the cost of some essential framing equipment. As a participant on the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance Scheme the Department of Social and Family Affairs have agreed to contribute 50% towards the cost of her Public Liability Insurance. Taine is now ready to go, full of confidence for the future of her business and willing to work hard to ensure its’ growth and development.