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 allows those embarking on self employment to retain some existing welfare benefits while setting up a new business
Who is it for?
You may be eligible if you: Are getting certain social welfare payments Want to become self-employed Have been receiving social welfare for at least nine months. Eligibility is subject to 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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Wage Subsidy Scheme Grant
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Work Placement Experience Programme Grant
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Auto-imported from neh.gov.ie. First seen 7 May 2026; last verified 18 May 2026. Always check the official listing on the National Enterprise Hub before applying — eligibility and amounts change without notice.