Start-up Support Unit

If you are considering starting a business or going into self-employment there are many ways which the Support Unit can assist you.

• The preparation of an effective business plan.
• Advocacy with Government Agencies and official funding bodies.
• Registration for the Back To Work Enterprise Allowance Scheme.

Training for Back to Work Enterprise Allowance participants

The Larkin Centre can now offer new training opportunities for participants of the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance Scheme. These training, mentoring and coaching facilities are available to anyone on the BTWEA. The programs are aimed at increasing the persons' 'business skills' and therefore strengthening the business. It is co-sponsored by DSCFA and the Dublin City Enterprise Board, and is delivered by a panel of experts co-ordinated through the Larkin Centre. Below is a short explanation of what is available.

• One to one business skills training and mentoring. You will be able to avail of expert advice in specific business areas e.g. accountancy, taxation, business legal structure, marketing and computing.
• Bookkeeping and tax self-assessment course. This is an evening course run over 4 consecutive nights (Mon-Thurs). This will give the participant the skills needed to set up and maintain a book-keeping system and to understand the basic requirements needed for doing tax returns.
• Basic introduction to computers. This day or evening course will give you the basic skills needed to use a computer. It will introduce the participant to the basic computer packages, which are now common to a modern PC - word processing, spreadsheets, databases, e-mail and the Internet.
• Intermediate computer skills. This day or evening course will introduce you to the practical uses for a computer in your business. It is designed around the European Computer Driving Licence qualification and participants are encouraged to sit the ECDL examination.

Contact the centre if you would like to learn more about our program.