Business support for the unemployed
“If you are unemployed, now is the time to consider setting up your own business following the positive supports announced in the budget.”
That is the advice Dan Grehan, manager of the Westmeath Community Development Business Development Programme, is offering.
The Start Your Own Business Scheme (SYOB) is a measure being introduced to encourage individuals who are long-term unemployed to start their own unincorporated businesses. A two-year exemption from income tax to a maximum of €40,000 per annum is being provided for individuals who have been unemployed for at least 15 months prior to starting their own businesses.
“If you have a business idea and you want to explore the possibility of it becoming a reality, consider enrolling for Westmeath Community Development’s 24-week Business Development Programme,” says Dan
The Business Development Programme is a special CE scheme that has been running in Westmeath for over 10 years. It enables unemployed people considering self-employment to undergo an accredited business development programme (FETAC L-5) while developing their business ideas and their business plans.
“The course is one of a number of supports that Westmeath Community Development has in place to support new businesses being established by people on the Live Register. In 2012 we have had over 120 people establish new enterprises, primarily through the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance schemes that we operate in conjunction with the Dept of Social Protection.”
The next Business Development Programme starts in Mullingar in January 2014 and will be advertised on the FÁS website and office in November; recruitment will start in December.
Contact Dan Grehan, Mullingar office, on 04493 48571 or Seamus McKenna, Athlone office, 090649455; westcd.ie.