Turning Passion into Opportunity: Mary’s Story

After an eight-year career break, Mary wanted to find work that would fit around her family commitments while providing a sustainable income. With the right guidance, training and enterprise support, she turned her passion for dogs into a successful business.

Mary was initially supported by Limerick City Partnership’s Local Area Employment Service (LAES), where she shared that, having previously worked in administration, she was finding it challenging to return to employment following an eight-year career break. During her guidance sessions with LAES, Mary identified a career path that would balance her family commitments with her financial needs. She decided to pursue her ambition of starting a dog walking business.

To further support her ambitions, Mary was referred to Limerick City Partnership’s SICAP programme. Through SICAP’s Enterprise Support Service, she was supported to develop her business idea and explore its potential as a viable and sustainable source of income.

As Mary worked on her business plan, she calculated that she would need an annual profit of €30,000 to meet her basic living costs. Initially, she felt overwhelmed by this target and was concerned about whether she could achieve it while also meeting the financial and regulatory requirements of becoming self-employed.

Working with the SICAP Enterprise Officer, Mary explored additional income-generating opportunities that could complement her original idea. She identified dog training as a potential way to increase her income while building on her interests and skills. LAES supported her to enrol in a three-month QQI-accredited dog training course, while she continued to refine her business proposal through SICAP. She also confirmed her eligibility for the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance through the Department of Social Protection.

Following completion of the dog training course, Mary continued to build her business skills by completing a Start Your Own Business course with Limerick Local Enterprise Office. She also undertook Bookkeeping and Marketing training through Limerick City Partnership. With additional mentoring and support from SICAP, Mary strengthened her marketing strategy, developed realistic cashflow projections and successfully secured the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance.

Mary has now been running her business for over two and a half years. Dog training accounts for approximately 60% of her income, with the remaining 40% comes from dog walking. Much of her business has grown through client referrals, reflecting the strong relationships she has developed with her customers.

Mary’s business now provides a sustainable income that meets her financial needs while allowing her to work in an area she enjoys and balance her work with her family commitments.

Mary’s story demonstrates the value of joined-up, person-centred support in helping people overcome barriers to employment and self-employment. Through the combined support of LAES, SICAP and the Local Enterprise Office, Mary was able to develop her skills, explore new opportunities, strengthen her business plan and turn a personal interest into a sustainable business.