Get financial support to start your own business and retain social welfare payments

You may be eligible if you: 

• Are getting certain social welfare payments  

• Want to become self-employed 

• Have been receiving social welfare for at least nine months.  

  Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions. 

You can keep the following portion of your social welfare payment: 

• 100% for the first year  

• 75% for the 2nd year 

These supports are provided under a scheme called the Enterprise Support Grant (ESG). You can only get the ESG if you have been approved for the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance. The ESG can pay a total of €2,500 in any 24- month period and you must be able to make a matching contribution of at least 10% to access grant support.  

• Financial support to help cover the costs of setting up your business.