Applications remain open for a free business support programme for emigrants who have returned home, or are thinking about doing so, and are starting or developing a business.
The 'Back for Business' government programme will provide expert mentorship and business support for six months.
This is the seventh year of the programme and there are up to 50 places available.
Applications will close next Monday, and the programme will run from the end of February to June 2024.
Participants on last year's programme increased their combined workforce by 17 employees and those that were trading almost tripled their combined turnover from €632,000 to €1.7 million.
Those selected to join this year will take part in round table sessions focused on goals and milestones, which are facilitated by voluntary 'lead entrepreneurs', who have experience of successfully starting and growing a business.
This year's 'lead entrepreneurs' are serial entrepreneur Hannah Wrixon; Morgan Browne, CEO of Milner Browne and Enterpryze; serial entrepreneur Paul Coyle; Paul Duggan of The Gardiner Group; Seamus Reilly, co-founder and formerly of Critical Healthcare; and Thomas Ennis, founder of the Thomas Ennis Group.
"I was lucky enough to receive excellent peer-to-peer support when I was starting out and developing my businesses and it made all the difference," said Hannah Wrixon, one of the Back for Business voluntary lead entrepreneurs.
"It is great to be in a position to give back and to support those at the start of their entrepreneurial journey," she added.
Back for Business has been designed and is being implemented by Fitzsimons Consulting.
The deadline for completed applications for the programme is 5pm on Monday 15 January 2024.
You can find more information or register your interest in receiving an application form online at www.backforbusiness.com.
