frequently asked questions
We're here to answer your questions.
Social Enterprise
Each year in early March ICE launches the Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards and opens the call for applications during the Local Enterprise Offices enterprise week. Keep an eye on our social media accounts and our website for updates.
ICE manages the Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards in partnership with Dublin City Council and The Local Enterprise office Dublin City. This award offers grants annually of up to €15000 for start-up and developing social enterprises In Dublin City.
ICE also runs a range of workshops, networking events and opportunities for mentoring for social Enterprises each year. Use the contact form to find out more information from Sean or Shane.
Young Entrepreneur
Simply complete the registration form on the Young entrepreneurs section of our website and Catherine or Shane will contact you to arrange a brief interview to assess your suitability for the programme and answer any questions you might have.
Unemployed
The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) scheme encourages people getting certain social welfare payments to become self-employed. If you take part in the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance scheme you can keep a percentage of your social welfare payment for up to 2 years. Back to Work Enterprise Allowance is a payment made by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) to people aged under 66.
Contact a Case Officer in your local Intreo office who will conduct a brief initial assessment with you to assess your suitability and eligibility for the scheme. Once this is completed you will be referred to a Local Development Company (LDC) like ICE who will assist you in discussing your options and explore the viability of your business idea. ICE will assist with preparing your business plan to outline the new enterprise. Once the plan is completed it will be returned to the Case Officer who will review the proposal and then make a recommendation to the Deciding Officer.
Once you have met with a case officer in Intreo who has advised that you are eligible for BTWEA or STEA, and you are in the catchment area, you will be referred to a ICE who will assist you in discussing your options and explore the viability of your business idea. ICE will assist with preparing your business plan to outline the new enterprise. Once the plan is completed it will be returned to the Case Officer in Intreo who will review the proposal and then make a recommendation for approval to the Deciding Officer.
Yes, ICE run several Start your own business courses each year. Once you have been referred by an ICE case officer and there are available spaces on a course you will be offered a place. Use the contact form to get more details from Sean or Shane.
ICE runs a range of business workshops each year, in areas such as marketing, sales, taxation and bookkeeping, time management and social media to name a few. Use the contact form to find out more information from Sean or Shane about upcoming training opportunities.
ICE runs a number of morning and evening networking events each year, with guest speakers and a theme for each event. Use the contact form to find out more information from Sean or Shane about upcoming networking opportunities.
ICE offers small loans of between €1000 -€5000 to support micro businesses from their own revolving loan fund. ICE is also a conduit for Micro Finance Ireland and can help clients to apply for a loan of up to €50,000 with Micro Finance Ireland and avail of a 1% discount on the standard repayment rate.
Yes. ICE has a mentoring programme and can offer opportunities to connect you with an appropriate business mentor.
Intreo offers additional financial supports towards the setting up of your business through the Enterprise Support Grant (ESG). You can only apply for the ESG if you have been approved for either the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance or the Short-Term Enterprise Allowance. This grant of up to €2500 assists with the start up costs of your business. You will need to contact your case officer in Intreo to apply for this grant.
Contact Sean or Shane using the contact form to find out more.