START YOUR OWN BUSINESS WHILE KEEPING YOUR SOCIAL WELFARE PAYMENTS

Back to Work Enterprise Allowance Scheme

Starting a business can be challenging, especially when you are moving from social welfare into self-employment. The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance helps you make that transition by allowing you to keep some or all of your social welfare payment while you build your new venture.

You may also be able to get extra support through the Enterprise Support Grant to help cover some of the costs of setting up your business.

Who is it for?

Talk to us if you are:

Receiving social welfare payments
Eager to start a business yourself
Getting a qualifying social welfare payment for at least nine months

Here are all the terms and conditions.

What do I get?

Once approved, you’ll get:

100% of your social welfare payment during your first year
75% of your social welfare payment during your second year
Help with your start-up costs from our Enterprise Support Grant which can give you up to €2,500 over 24 months (you must contribute 20% of the cost yourself though). Please remember you can only apply for the grant if you have been approved for the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance Scheme first
Mentoring through a local development company

How will it help me?

This allowance can help you to:

Start your own business with greater financial security
Cover some of the costs involved in setting up your business
Focus on building your business while continuing to receive some welfare support
Take the first steps in becoming self-employed