Back to Work Enterprise Scheme
Get financial support to start your own business and retain social welfare payments
Provided by Dept of Social Protection
How to apply
Apply on the official National Enterprise Hub listing — applications and eligibility are administered by Dept of Social Protection, not Tenderwatch.
Apply on neh.gov.ieAbout this support
The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance Scheme helps someone who is receiving social welfare to start their own business. With this scheme you can keep some of your existing payments while you build your business. You may also be able to get extra support through the Enterprise Support Grant to help cover some of the costs of setting up your business. There’s nothing stopping you now, so let’s get to work.
Who is it for?
Talk to us if you are: Receiving social welfare payments Eager to start a business yourself Getting a qualifying social welfare payment for at least nine months Here are all the terms and conditions .
At a glance
- Provider
- Dept of Social Protection
- Type
- Grant
- Categories
- Grants
- Industries
- Construction, Energy, Financial, Healthcare, Information Technology, Manufacturing, Professional Services, Real Estate, Retail, Transport & Storage
- Business size
- Less than 10 Employees, Between 10-49 Employees
- Source
- National Enterprise Hub
Also worth a look
Same SMEs that apply for Dept of Social Protection supports often bid on Irish public tenders. Browse live opportunities by sector, county, or contracting authority.
Browse Irish public tendersMore from Dept of Social Protection
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Employment and Youth Engagement Charter
Talent & HiringBuild a more inclusive and skilled workforce
Enterprise Support Grant
Talent & HiringHELP WITH SOME OF THE COSTS OF STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS
Intreo Recruitment Services
Talent & HiringSingle point of contact for all employment and income supports
Jobsplus Subsidy Grant
Talent & HiringProvide an unemployed person with a job opportunity
Auto-imported fromneh.gov.ie. First seen 7 May 2026; last verified 14 September 2026. Always check the official listing on the National Enterprise Hub before applying — eligibility and amounts change without notice.