FIRST-STEP WITH THE SUPPORT OF ACTIVATION FUNDS SETS UP MICRO-ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT NETWORKS
With the support of the Activation Funds First-Step is setting up 10 regional micro-enterprise learning networks, for unemployed people who wish to become self-employed. Each learning network will aim to strengthen the entrepreneurial potential of each participant.
The emphasis of this innovative programme is to support and encourage the participant through the final stages of business planning and into the early stage development of his or her own business.
What makes the micro-enterprise development networks unique is that the micro-enterprise network will follow a clear progression from business idea to entrepreneurship skills to provision of start-up capital and will include early stage mentoring supports.
BUSINESS START UP LOANS FOR JOB SEEKERS
- Are you trying to start a new business or become self employed?
- Are you unemployed for at least the last three months?
- Are you in receipt of jobseekers benefit or jobseekers assistance?
- Are you confident that with the right support, including mentoring, your business could commence within the next 5 months?
- Have you prepared a business plan?
- Do you need access to funding support?
If the answer is YES to all of those questions then FIRST-STEP can provide that assistance to you. First-Step is setting up regional micro-enterprise networks where you will receive FREE training, mentoring, and access to start up loans for self-employment.
If you wish to be considered for participation in a micro-enterprise network apply BY EMAIL ONLY to training@first-step.ie
BACKGROUND & FAQ
Q1. What is the Labour Market Activation Fund, 2010?
A1. The Labour Market Activation Fund was established as part of Budget 2010. The Fund will be used to support skills, training and education programmes for the unemployed who want to improve their education and skills or who want to become self employed by starting their own business. The Department of Education and Skills are managing the Activation Fund.
A1. The Labour Market Activation Fund was established as part of Budget 2010. The Fund will be used to support skills, training and education programmes for the unemployed who want to improve their education and skills or who want to become self employed by starting their own business. The Department of Education and Skills are managing the Activation Fund.
Q2. Who is providing the training and education programmes and how do I find out more about them?
A2. The Activation Fund is supporting twenty-six independent projects around the country running training or education programmes for the unemployed. First Step is one of the supported projects and uniquely is aimed at getting a person currently receiving Jobseekers Benefit or Jobseekers Allowance to business start-up. This can also include loan funding to help with the business start-up.
A2. The Activation Fund is supporting twenty-six independent projects around the country running training or education programmes for the unemployed. First Step is one of the supported projects and uniquely is aimed at getting a person currently receiving Jobseekers Benefit or Jobseekers Allowance to business start-up. This can also include loan funding to help with the business start-up.
Q3. Am I eligible to take part in these programmes?
A3. To be eligible to participate you must be in receipt of a Jobseekers Benefit or Jobseekers Allowance for at least three months in a row before joining the programmes [at this moment we have been told that you must be in receipt of a payment]. Time spent on training or education programmes will count towards this three-month period. First Step also has some modest minimum requirements for applicants such as a draft business plan, have successfully completed a Start Your Own Business course, and the commitment to engage in the First Step Regional Micro-Enterprise Networks.
A3. To be eligible to participate you must be in receipt of a Jobseekers Benefit or Jobseekers Allowance for at least three months in a row before joining the programmes [at this moment we have been told that you must be in receipt of a payment]. Time spent on training or education programmes will count towards this three-month period. First Step also has some modest minimum requirements for applicants such as a draft business plan, have successfully completed a Start Your Own Business course, and the commitment to engage in the First Step Regional Micro-Enterprise Networks.
Q4. Will I get welfare payments while I’m on a course?
A4. If you plan to go this Regional Micro-Enterprise Network and if you have questions about your welfare entitlements and income support while on courses please contact your nearest Department of Social Protection Office.
A4. If you plan to go this Regional Micro-Enterprise Network and if you have questions about your welfare entitlements and income support while on courses please contact your nearest Department of Social Protection Office.
Q6. How do I apply for inclusion in a network?
A6. You need to submit a query by email training@first-step.ie You will then receive a follow up call from one of our consultants who will arrange an interview to address any queries.
A6. You need to submit a query by email training@first-step.ie You will then receive a follow up call from one of our consultants who will arrange an interview to address any queries.
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