What’s involved?

Back for Business is based on a model of peer support, entrepreneurs supporting entrepreneurs. Volunteer Lead Entrepreneurs will make their time available to facilitate round tables and to share their experience of starting and growing a business . This approach is well proven as being effective in bringing about increased motivation and confidence among entrepreneurs and having a positive impact on their enterprise development.

The initiative runs over a five month period. It will provide the opportunity for up to 50 committed early stage entrepreneurs from across the country to take part.  Selection will be on a competitive basis, and selected candidates will be those who best demonstrate the potential to advance their business plans and to fully engage in the initiative.

It has been developed and designed on the principle that entrepreneurs learn best from each other.  This applied learning model involves a series of round table interactive sessions that are facilitated by Lead Entrepreneurs who have experience of successfully starting and growing a business.

The cycle will start with a Launch Forum in February 2025 held in Dublin. Participants will then meet with their groups and Lead Entrepreneurs in three separate round table sessions between February and June. All sessions will be held at a location convenient to the Lead Entrepreneur. The dates and locations of these three and a half hour sessions will be agreed with the Lead Entrepreneur on the first day.

A workshop will also be organised which will provide an opportunity for participants to hear from representatives of the development agencies about the various supports available.

The cycle will finish with a celebration in June 2025 in Dublin.

Selected candidates are expected to attend all events.