SICAP - Enterprise Support
We provide free, confidential one-to-one enterprise support to people who are thinking about becoming self-employed or starting their own business. We work with people who are unemployed, in employment but looking for a new direction, or in receipt of Department of Social Protection payments. We can work with you to explore full-time or part-time self-employment in a supportive and practical way.
This project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.
Through the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), we provide Enterprise Supports to help you explore whether self-employment is the right option for you and to support you every step of the way.
You can meet with an Enterprise Officer who can work with you on a one-to-one basis in a supportive and confidential setting.
We can support you with:
- Exploring and developing your business idea
- Understanding the reality of self-employment and whether it can provide a sustainable income
- Developing a business plan and cashflow projections
- Guidance on Government enterprise supports such as the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA), Short Term Enterprise Allowance (STEA) and Self-Employment Means-Tested Payments (SEMP)
- Answering specific or technical questions about starting a business
- Referring you to other relevant supports or services where appropriate
- Ongoing follow-up support once your business is up and running
Our Enterprise Officers will listen to your ideas, guide you through the process of becoming self-employed and help you make informed decisions about your next steps.
We organise a range of practical enterprise training programmes and workshops to support small business start-ups in Limerick City. These are delivered throughout the year.
Training topics may include:
- Developing your business idea
- Start Your Own Business workshops
- Marketing your business
- Bookkeeping and financial management
- Understanding taxation and completing a tax return
Check out our Enterprise Training Schedule for 2026.
Business mentors are available to support clients who are working to establish their new business. Referrals to mentors are made through our Enterprise Officers.
All mentors have an understanding of the challenges faced by people starting out in business and can provide practical guidance to support business start-up and ongoing viability.
Check out our 2026 Enterprise Training Programme! Packed with free workshops and supports for starting or growing your business — follow the link to learn more
SICAP is the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme. It aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality.
All SICAP services are free, confidential and optional.
We deliver SICAP in partnership with eight community-based organisations in Limerick City.
- Garryowen Community Development Project
- Learning Hub Limerick
- Limerick Island Community Partners
- Moyross Community Enterprise Centre
- Our Lady of Lourdes Community Services Group
- Southill Hub
- St Munchins Community Enterprise Centre
- Tait House
See our other SICAP supports:
If you are thinking about becoming self-employed or starting their own business and would like to find out more, please get in touch with Elaine.
Phone: 087 708 2827
Email: emacgrath@limerickcitypartnership.ie
For more information, please visit https://eufunds.ie/
