#SICAPStories - Starting Your Own Business

Above: Participants of the Start Your Own Business Programme that was delivered with the support of SICAP.

By Stephanie Moynihan

Through the SICAP programme, IRD Duhallow offers a suite of targeted supports to those who are distanced from the labour market to start their own business. We operate a dedicated mentoring programme, where entrepreneurs can receive up to ten hours one to one time with an experienced mentor to support them and provide independent advice and counsel to develop their business. This year we have delivered two SICAP supported Start Your Own Business Training programmes as well a one-day Business Bootcamp. These programmes focus on the essentials of starting your own business from understanding company structure, basic finance, sales, marketing and business planning. The programmes were delivered by local tutor Ruth Cosgrave of Via Lutea. Through these SICAP funded initiatives, entrepreneurs are supported to develop viable business plans. Many go on to apply for the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance or the Short Term Enterprise Allowance, which affords them the reassurance of a continuing welfare payment whilst taking the plunge of starting their own business and even on to LEADER grants.

The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2018 – 2022 provides funding to tackle poverty and social exclusion through local engagement and partnerships between disadvantaged individuals, community organisations and public sector agencies. Administered by Pobal and funded by the Irish Government through the Department of Rural and Community Development, it also receives funding from the European Social Fund under the Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning (PEIL) 2014- 2020.