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Monaghan Integrated Development Can Help The development of an enterprise culture and the encouragement of local unemployed individuals to start up in business has always been recognised by Monaghan Integrated Development as an important aspect in promoting economic development and social inclusion within the county. During the first quarter of 2010, twenty four brave entrepreneurs from Monaghan launched their businesses with the support of Monaghan Integrated Development’s, Community Economic Development Officer, Julie Clarke. Julie assists individuals who are in receipt of a Social Welfare payment and who find themselves considering self-employment as a career option. “The route of self-employment can often appear very lonely and daunting, particularly for those with no business background or no book-keeping experience. People are generally not aware of the many free supports which are available to assist them in getting their business started” states Julie. Many supports are available to individuals who approach Monaghan Integrated Development with a business idea. A major support is the Department of Social and Family Affairs Enterprise Allowance Scheme.The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance Scheme allows individuals, who are in receipt of certain social welfare payment for more than 12 months, to retain their social welfare payment over a two year period. For the first year 100% of the payment is available and 75% in the second year. Since May 2009 there is now a new Short Term Enterprise Allowance Scheme available to individuals who are less than 12 months unemployed. Start Your Own Business Training is offered to all eligible individuals who approach Monaghan Integrated Development. The purpose of the training is ultimately to facilitate the individual in determining if their business idea has the potential to develop into a viable and sustainable business venture leading to an improved quality of life for the individual and their family. The training guides individuals through the development of their product/service idea, identifying their market and competition and all the legal issues pertaining to setting up and running a business. One to one Once the business plan is completed individuals can identify the amount of finance necessary to get their business started, if individuals do not have computer access or skills then Julie will insure that it is typed, bound and ready for presentation to the bank. Once a business commences trading the Small Business Support Administrator with the Monaghan Integrated Development, Patricia Arthurs, is available to meet on a one-to one basis with the new business owners to advise on the necessary book-keeping procedures for the new venture. On- going support is provided by Monaghan Integrated Development during the initial years in business, to ensure that obstacles encountered can be overcome, and all the necessary skills for business survival and success are mastered. Past clients of the service have found it very worthwhile “My continued success would not have been possible without the enterprise support and assistance of Monaghan Integrated Development, there is a lot of back-up available, it’s great, when different issues arise I feel I can approach Monaghan Integrated Development for advice and direction” states Colin Walker proprietor of TimeframeKidz, Monaghan. For more |
Monday, 26 April 2010 15:17