Back for Business 7 Testimonials

As someone who spent 11+ years living outside of Ireland, coming home after such a long time abroad and bringing my business back with me was a daunting prospect. There is so much to consider, and it can be tough to know what to focus on or where to find certain information, not to mention it’s often a lonely process working for yourself! Back for Business gave me access to the people and information I needed in order to really get things fully established and moving in the right direction. Everything from the roundtable discussions, support day and access to likeminded recently returned expats/ entrepreneurs and our Lead Entrepreneur was truly invaluable. I would recommend Back for Business to any Irish person abroad who is looking to start/ bring home their own business. Applying for this unique programme should absolutely be your first port of call!

-Anneka Muir, The Sleep Société

 

In a short space of time, Back for Business gave me the support, confidence and skills to set-up and start my business. It helped me to widen my network and to find my tribe. Building networks was initially difficult for me after coming home from abroad after a number of years, but with this programme I was able to connect with a number of like-minded people.

-Aoife Lafferty, Athrú by Aoife

 

Having participated in the programme, I realised that like others returning to Ireland to start a business, we all face similar challenges. The network and contacts gained through participation were for this reason invaluable. It was important also to my business to take the time during this programme to focus on and test the core business ideas and get expert and peer support on how best to approach the next steps.

– Brian O’Driscoll, Sky 7 Horizons

 

Back for Business gave me so much clarity to reflect, confidence to uncover what it is that I want, and actually take the steps to making that a reality. It was the perfect fresh start I needed.

-Ciara Moynihan, CM Space

 

The greatest gift I got from Back for Business was time. I spent an inordinate amount of wasted time worrying and putting my energies into things that weren’t of use to me or my business. With the challenge and support of my Lead Entrepreneur and my peers, I was able to learn and see where was best to put my focus and efforts into. I saved time in getting my business ready to launch and sell during the programme and I will save time in the running and maintenance of my business moving forward. As someone who was juggling a lot of other commitments than just my business, I cannot stress enough how much of a gift, saving my time was for me.

-David Sharkey, Polaris Teams

 

I am so happy that I signed up and was accepted to take part in the Back for Business 7 programme. I met a brand new network of like-minded people with some of the same struggles that I unexpectantly came across by moving home. The confidence, joy and knowledge this programme gave me is a fantastic boost to the beginning of my Irish business life.

-Deborah Kilroy, Van Velze’s Chocolates

 

Back for Business is a great support for returning entrepreneurs – navigating the new business start-up when moving home is a challenge and it is fantastic to have a space and a group of people to share ideas and common issues with, as well as start building your networks here again.

-Elaine Byrne, GaelBaby

The whole experience of Back for Business 7 was so much more than I had hoped for.   I came to the first round table with an abundance of ideas, but also a deficit of fundamental operational components, focus, and confidence. I did not know what to expect from this programme, and throughout the process I went down many roads and dead ends while I applied what I was learning  with what I imagined my business to be. What I have achieved is a sense of clarity of vision that was lacking prior, and an ability to apply metrics to ideas. Materially, understanding ways to pivot those ideas and metrics to access funding and support has helped me to imagine a business that is more sustainable, has more growth potential, and is even broader in scope. Philosophically, it has helped me to bridge a fundamental gap I struggled with between art/aesthetics and commerce. I learned just as much about myself as I did about business.  The workshop style structure of our meetings, where we came to the table having worked on specific prompts and benchmarks, was both challenging and rewarding in equal measure.  From month to month, we worked through issues and operations that are vital foundational components of a successful enterprise. Moreover, we did it together as a group, each learning from one other’s strengths and weaknesses, and cheering each other on.  There were tears, sick kids, applause, accolades, vulnerability, and growth, and we did it in such a safe space. Our Lead Entrepreneur’s leadership was pivotal to creating this environment. Not only was her vast knowledge wholly clear, but her ability to both push and nurture was what makes her a true leader and I am so grateful to her.  I have so much more work to do, but I have a much clearer path to get there, and I am confident that I will, thanks to this programme.

-Gillian Lawlee, My Life in Colour Shop

 

I have benefitted greatly from the Back for Business programme and the guidance of our Lead Entrepreneur and all of the other participants has helped transform our young company. We have strengthened our core values, launched a great new product, doubled our customer pipeline and gained a far better sense of direction for where our brand needs to go. Additionally, the programme has provided us with an invaluable network of trusted peer advisors in our group of budding entrepreneurs and shown us the path to further resources available in Ireland such as the Local Enterprise Office and Enterprise Ireland. I would highly recommend this programme to other recently returned entrepreneurs.

– Killian O’Keeffe, Ruby Reese

 

Back for Business is a very helpful programme which I would highly recommend if you have recently returned to Ireland and plan on starting a business or have just started. Being with a group who are all in the same situation is very valuable, as being an entrepreneur can be challenging. Being able to speak with others in your group and also your Lead Entrepreneur who has been through it all was very beneficial. After each session I felt revitalised and ready to work harder!

-Mark Murphy, Media Meka

 

After 15 years in Hong Kong, Back for Business provided real life expert guidance and insights to navigate the business landscape in Ireland. This programme isn’t just about business—it’s about insights, perseverance, and building connections with fellow returned emigrants.  The diversity of businesses represented in Back for Business is eye opening and it was a privilege to be included.

-Michael Barry, Calla Woods

 

When I applied for this cycle of Back for Business I just had an idea and some market research. Since finishing the six months cycle, I have a business that is trading and a clear vision of the direction I want to drive the business. There is no way I would have achieved what I have if it wasn’t for the support of my Lead Entrepreneur and Back for Business network. The guidance, support and community I have had through the round table sessions has built my confidence and helped me to be accountable for the goals I was setting for myself.

– Oonagh O’Brien, Teolaí Home

 

My experience in Back for Business working with a diverse range of entrepreneurs has allowed me to structure both short and long term realistic and achievable goals to scale my business. Surrounded by those who had also returned home in recent years and experienced similar challenges was comforting. I am currently actioning my short-term goals with the development of an online booking system and an online course of Pilates whilst optimising financial security. Long term, I will grow my own team but my Back for Business team have inspired me to keep dreaming and believing in my vision for Pelvic Health West and women’s health in the future.

-Orlaith Kilgannon, Pelvic Health West

 

After returning from Australia after 14 years with my husband, daughter and 2 dogs, a network of likeminded awesome people was welcomed. We were fortunate to have Thomas Ennis as our Lead Entrepreneur. The support and guidance from Thomas and our fellow group members has been invaluable and we are forever grateful for the opportunity to attend. We have met some truly outstanding people through the programme.

-Pauline Delahunt, CPC Ltd.

 

I completed the Back for Business 7 Programme, and I found it absolutely brilliant. It was well organised and the Lead Entrepreneur was very supportive, generous with his time and always gave great advice. I highly recommend this programme.

-Renata Bennett, Invicta Ventures

 

Moving back to Ireland was a big decision, especially with the uncertainty surrounding the future of my business. However, joining the Back for Business programme has been a game-changer for me. From the very start, I felt incredibly supported and was given the guidance and resources I needed to navigate the challenges of relocating and re-establishing my business. The programme not only provided me with practical advice and valuable connections but also boosted my confidence to pursue my entrepreneurial goals here in Ireland. I would highly recommend Back for Business to anyone in a similar position, it has been a massive help for me.

-Ronan Purcell, Meala.io

 

I highly recommend the Back for Business programme. It is very challenging adjusting to life back in Ireland and add to that starting a business. Having a resource like Back for Business answers a lot of questions about the business environment in Ireland and gives you the opportunity, information and connections needed to get your business off the ground.

-Tom Hennessy, Go to Market USA