Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development, Ciarán Cannon, has today launched an initiative to help returning emigrants start and develop businesses in Ireland. 
 
Back for Business is specifically designed for recently returned emigrants who have lived abroad for at least a year and have returned in the last three years. Those planning to return in the near future will also be considered.

The programme was run on a pilot basis last year to support entrepreneurial activity among those recently returned or planning to return to live and set up business in Ireland. The call is open today for applications for the 2019 programme, which will run from February to July 2019. 
 
The closing date for applications is 25 January. Those interested in learning more can download a brochure and register their interest in receiving an application form from www.backforbusiness.com. 
 
Last year, the 38 participants on the pilot programme, which ran from November 2017 to May 2018, reported positive results: 
• At the end of the six months programme over half of them were trading, 
• Six had become exporters for the first time 
• 46 people were employed between them, and 
• 100% said they would recommend the programme to others
 
Launching the programme, Minister Cannon said, "More and more Irish emigrants are returning home to Ireland to live and to work and as we have seen in the pilot, this is an initiative that can make a real difference to returned and returning emigrants who have a keen desire and ambition to be entrepreneurs. It is designed to support them to go beyond just creating a job for themselves and to aim higher and create a thriving business that can provide employment for others and value added in their local community."

Source: www.businessworld.ie