Returned emigrants urged to apply for Back for Business
Back for Business specifically supports returned emigrants who lived abroad for at least one year and have returned to Ireland
Returned emigrants with ambitions of starting their own business in Cavan are being encouraged to apply for Back for Business, a free, Government-backed programme designed to support people coming home from abroad to start and grow a business.
The initiative is aimed at Irish emigrants who have recently returned to Ireland – or who are planning to return soon – and want to put down roots and build a sustainable business locally.
Up to 50 entrepreneurs nationwide will be offered places on the programme, which is funded by the Irish Abroad Unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and is now open for applications.
Cavan entrepreneur Barry Denham, founder of Adaptive Leadership Consulting (Ireland) and a former participant, is among those encouraging others in the county to apply.
“Back for Business is a fantastic programme for returning Irish emigrants,” Barry said. “You’re working with people who have been there, done that, and who really understand the experience. It’s facilitated by a great, professional and supportive team. I can’t recommend it highly enough.”
Back for Business specifically supports returned emigrants who lived abroad for at least one year and have returned to Ireland within the past three years, or who are currently living overseas and intend to return in the near future.
Participants will meet once a month in peer-supported round-table groups, facilitated by voluntary Lead Entrepreneurs who have successfully built and scaled businesses. Many of the facilitators are themselves returned emigrants. This year’s Lead Entrepreneurs include Gillian O’Dowd (Azon), Paul Duggan (The Gardiner Group), Seamus Reilly (formerly of Critical Healthcare), Sinéad Doherty (Fenero) and Thomas Ennis (Thomas Ennis Group).
Now in its ninth year, Back for Business has a strong track record of helping returned emigrants overcome the challenges of starting a business after time abroad, including rebuilding networks, navigating the Irish business environment and scaling early-stage ventures.
Since launching in 2017, the programme has supported entrepreneurs to significantly grow sales and employment.
The programme will begin with a Launch Forum and round-table event on February 13th, 2026, and will run through to June. Applications close on Friday, January 16th, and can be made via www.backforbusiness.com.