SICAP works in collaboration with the Department of Social Protection to support the opportunity for the individual to consider self-employment as a potential option to progress their career/working prospects. These actions and interventions are in line with the National Programme Priorities 2022/2023.

SICAP provides support to assist both the long-term and short-term unemployed individuals to access the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA)/Short Term Enterprise Allowance (STEA) options available to them.
This is achieved through the development of a business plan and participation in a ‘Start Your Own Business Training Programme.’

SICAP has its own unique ‘Self Employment Options’ Programme (SEOP) targeted at those who are unemployed, designed and modified over a number of years to specifically respond to the business and personal development needs of an unemployed person who is making the decision to become self-employed.

The overall programme of support will include:

• Bookkeeping;
• ROS;
• And one-to-one mentoring.

This programme is currently delivered online. Alternative methods of client engagement and training opportunities will also be utilised.
SICAP will support the individual to remove any potential barriers to participation and progression through the programme.

*SICAP criteria and registration requirements apply

All supports are free of charge for participants.