If you are new to the world of self-employment or are looking to build your business from scratch, Intreo is a great place to start. Intreo (the Public Employment Services) offers you support and financial advice and will help to point you in the right direction.

The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) is available to help you to become self-employed or start your own new business if you are on certain social welfare payments.

If you are getting the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and you want to access the this scheme, you can do this by transferring to Jobseeker’s Allowance.

The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance allows you to keep the following portion of your current social welfare payment for 2 years:

The Short-Term Enterprise Allowance (STEA) supports you if you have lost your job and want to start your own business. This support is available to COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) recipients who transfer to a Jobseeker’s Benefit payment.

The Short-Term Enterprise Allowance is paid instead of your Jobseeker’s Benefit for a maximum of 9 months. It ends when your entitlement to Jobseeker’s Benefit ends (that is, at either 6 or 9 months).

The Enterprise Support Grant (ESG) provides financial support for people who have set up a new business and are currently receiving income support under Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) or Short-Term Enterprise Allowance (STEA).

Your Local Development Company (LDC) can also offer support and advice in starting a business, including mentoring.

You can find out more information by contacting your local Intreo Centre.