Short Term Enterprise Allowance
START YOUR OWN BUSINESS WITHOUT ENDING YOUR INCOME SUPPORT
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 Short-Term Enterprise Allowance (STEA) helps people who have lost their job and want to start their own business. If you qualify, you can receive STEA instead of your Jobseeker’s Benefit or Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit while you set up your business. The allowance can be paid for up to nine months, depending on how long you’re entitled to your qualifying payment. You might also get an Enterprise Support Grant to help with some of the costs of starting your business.
Who is it for?
Talk to us if you are: Receiving, or entitled to, Jobseeker’s Benefit or Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit Planning to start your own business In a position to start and run a business as a self-employed person Ready to get approval before starting your business Here are all the terms and conditions .
At a glance
- Provider
- Dept of Social Protection
- Type
- Talent & Hiring
- Categories
- Talent & Hiring
- Industries
- Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing, Design & Crafts, Construction, Energy, Financial, Healthcare, Information Technology, Manufacturing, Professional Services, Real Estate, Retail, Transport & Storage
- Business size
- Between 10-49 Employees, Between 50-249 Employees, Less than 10 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
Back to Work Enterprice Allowance Btwea
Talent & HiringSTART YOUR OWN BUSINESS WHILE KEEPING YOUR SOCIAL WELFARE PAYMENTS
Back to Work Enterprise Scheme
GrantGet financial support to start your own business and retain social welfare payments
Employability Services
Talent & HiringHELPING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES TO FIND AND KEEP A JOB
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
Auto-imported fromneh.gov.ie. First seen 21 September 2026; last verified 21 September 2026. Always check the official listing on the National Enterprise Hub before applying — eligibility and amounts change without notice.