Returning emigrants urged to join business development programme

Two returning Galwegians – beneficiaries of last year’s scheme – are encouraging fellow ex-pats to make the most of a state programme to help them establish new businesses back home.

Cian Conroy from Oranmore and Zarah Lawless of Calendar Coffee in Barna were two of the participants on last year’s Back for Business entrepreneur mentoring programme – and both are now reaping the rewards.

The free programme – which runs over six months – is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and this year’s version was launched before Christmas by Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development Ciarán Cannon.

It was run on a pilot basis last year to support entrepreneurial activity among those recently returned or planning to return to live and set up business in Ireland.

Cian Conroy from Oranmore was one of last year’s past participants having returned from the UK to launch his consultancy firm, Cian Conroy Consulting.

He works with developers of offshore wind farms and turbine manufacturers, with his main market in the UK.

“The practical insight into international business and scaling from the Lead Entrepreneur on Back for Business was exceptional and hugely valuable,” he said.

Another participant from Galway last year was Zarah Lawless of coffee roastery Calendar Coffee, based in Barna.

“Back for Business helped me realise starting a business was possible and that Ireland was the right place to do it,” said Zarah, who relocated from London back to her home city.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

Get the Connacht Tribune Live app
The Connacht Tribune Live app is the home of everything that is happening in Galway City and county. It’s completely FREE and features all the latest news, sport and information on what’s on in your area. Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.