The BTWEA encourages people getting certain social welfare payments to become self employed

• People getting certain social welfare payments who want to become self employed .
• Must have been on Social Welfare for at least 9 months.

You can keep the following portion of your social welfare payment; 100% for the 1st year and 75% for the 2nd year.

• Financial support with the costs of setting up your business.
• 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 €2500 in any 24 month period. 
• You must be able to make a matching contribution of at least 10% to access grant support.