Are you feeling overwhelmed by the daunting task of starting your own business? Do you have a business idea but feel lost when it comes to putting it into action? You may have already taken the first steps, but the labyrinth of legal requirements are unclear and have left you confused.
Not to worry because you are not alone in this journey. There are numerous resources and support systems available to those in the republic of Ireland to help aspiring entrepreneurs. From guiding steps to one on one calls, here are a few organisations who can help you on your journey.
LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE
Your local enterprise office is a great place to receive help on any queries you may have. They offer financial support, training programmes and mentoring. They describe themselves as a first stop shop through which all information on state support can be accessed. Their focus is mainly on businesses with less than 10 employees however they create progression pathways to Enterprise Ireland for high potential companies. You can find more information on their website – https://www.localenterprise.ie/
ENTERPRISE IRELAND
This platform has a few supports for people who are only starting out but is more aimed at those who are looking to expand internationally. For start ups – they have tools that will help you understand the Irish start up landscape. They have an entrepreneur development programme and they also have access to funding. For those looking to expand, they have accelerator programmes, access to a hub of angel investors that can advise on pitching for investment amongst a whole other hub of supports. You can find more information on their website – https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/
CITIZENS INFORMATION
Citizens’ information provide a more practical step by step instruction guide on how to start a business. They also direct you to organisations such as the Local Enterprise Office & Enterprise Ireland at key aspects of your development. Their steps include, developing your idea, writing a business plan & choosing a name, choosing a legal structure, understanding your tax & registering employees. You can find more information on their website.
Here at the Femmy O Foundation, we also provide a mentoring programme & start up consultation service that you can avail of where we empower entrepreneurs on their journey. There are many supports to consider apart from the ones listed such as Skillnet Ireland, Companies Registration Office, Revenue Commissioners, supportsmes.gov.ie to name but a few.
Bottom line, don’t let the uncertainty of where to start hold you back from pursuing your dreams of entrepreneurship. Make full use of the tools and assistance at your disposal and you can turn your dream into reality.
