BTWEA: Back To Work Enterprise Allowance?

Luco Zademann

Hi, just wondering, has anyone had experience of the BTWEA? I am currently on SW, I also study p/t for a BA online/by distance (I do this off my own back and pay for it out of my own pocket, though after much, MUCH, searching it's very cheap with a university in Europe) Anyway, forget about the degree - that's not going to get me a career (though I still plan to complete it, final semester next Sept), it'll look nice on the wall but in todays reality, that's about it unfortunately.

Now I can abroad and do a fast track, intensive course in x. It takes a month. Have some savings of a few grand to dip into for it and also for low cost premises rental, equipment, advertising etc when I get back. It's a risk, it's a gamble but it may, just may, pay off. I was told you'd need a business plan if you intended to apply for BTWEA, is this true? How the hell do you do a business plan? Are there online/offline resource for this does any know?

Heard that BTWEA isn't an automatic entitlement, worrying given that after spending thousands they could turn around and say: no That would leave me high and dry and stuck on SW.........I realise that many businesses fail, especially these days but my training, without saying exactly what it is, does fit a market for which there are always people who need it (and no it's not whoring) :eek: So, any experiences or insightful info regrading BTWEA would be appreciated. Thanks.

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/social_welfare_payments_and_work/back_to_work_enterprise_allowance.html

loconnor1001

I am currently in receipt of BTWEA. I applied last June and was up and running in the beginning of August.

I did have a business plan going in to the initial meeting but was told by the officer that most people don't have one going in.

I would recommend getting in contact with the person for the scheme in your area to set up a meeting. I had 2 meetings before my application went forward. The lady I met with was extremely helpful spent time answering questions and going through paperwork with me - made sure all the t's were crossed and i's dotted before it went to the committee.

Luco Zademann

loconnor1001 wrote: »

I am currently in receipt of BTWEA. I applied last June and was up and running in the beginning of August.

I did have a business plan going in to the initial meeting but was told by the officer that most people don't have one going in.

I would recommend getting in contact with the person for the scheme in your area to set up a meeting. I had 2 meetings before my application went forward. The lady I met with was extremely helpful spent time answering questions and going through paperwork with me - made sure all the t's were crossed and i's dotted before it went to the committee.

Thanks. Hope it's working out ok for you? Did you go to the Jobs Case Officer at your local dole office or did you go to an LDC, Local Development Company? When I phoned SW before they said you could choose from either (if there was an LDC in your area) Btw, did you get the TAT fund, Technical Assistance and Training?

loconnor1001

So far so good! Although I don't have a whole lot of running costs as I don't have a premise. (I work from home - and travel to meet clients). My area doesn't have an LDC so I went directly through the SW however the facilitator that I spoke and met with held meetings at the local FAS office. I did get the TAT fund, in fact I've only just used it about 2 weeks ago even though it was approved and granted I believe either the end of August or September, I am still waiting on my stuff, don't know how long it takes for the whole process (invoice has to be sent in to SW they then pay the invoice directly to the company - after they recieve payment you are allowed to collect your goods).

Luco Zademann

loconnor1001 wrote: »

So far so good! Although I don't have a whole lot of running costs as I don't have a premise. (I work from home - and travel to meet clients). My area doesn't have an LDC so I went directly through the SW however the facilitator that I spoke and met with held meetings at the local FAS office. I did get the TAT fund, in fact I've only just used it about 2 weeks ago even though it was approved and granted I believe either the end of August or September, I am still waiting on my stuff, don't know how long it takes for the whole process (invoice has to be sent in to SW they then pay the invoice directly to the company - after they recieve payment you are allowed to collect your goods).

Good to hear. Would be difficult for me to work from home, would need a premises but have seen one that in the scheme of things is remarkably cheap. Just an office but suits what I would need it for. I wonder who would be more friendly, easier, to deal with, the Jobs Officer at SW or the LDC? Was told I could only choose to go one route or the other and if refused couldn't turn around and go the other route. But will probably go to the Jobs Officer at the local dole office. Best of luck with your venture!

loconnor1001

My understanding when I applied was that if you had an LDC you had to go that route, but you've been told differently. I imagine the manner in which they determine whether or not they will put you on the scheme is the same either route you decide to take (could be wrong). But mine was decided by a committee at a monthly meeting so I assume they would be one in the same either way. I can only say that the facilitator in my area was really nice and helpful. I wish you the best of luck and hope you find yourself in receipt of the allowance!

cruiser202006

loconnor1001 wrote: »

I am currently in receipt of BTWEA. I applied last June and was up and running in the beginning of August.

I did have a business plan going in to the initial meeting but was told by the officer that most people don't have one going in.

I would recommend getting in contact with the person for the scheme in your area to set up a meeting. I had 2 meetings before my application went forward. The lady I met with was extremely helpful spent time answering questions and going through paperwork with me - made sure all the t's were crossed and i's dotted before it went to the committee.

Hi was the two meetings two workshops? How long after business plan was sent in was it approved?

loconnor1001

Hi,

No the meetings were with the adviser for my area. I was approved about a month after all paperwork was received. In my area anyway there is 1 meeting per month for the committee to decide on applications and I had just missed that months so had to wait for the next months meeting to get a decision. I was however given a good indication by her that my application would be approved.