People opt to start their own business for a wide variety of reasons, from losing their job, to wanting more autonomy and flexibility or for the thrill of going it alone and getting rich quick! Some people simply have a good idea and a belief that they can make that idea work.

Whatever the reason, there are lots of supports available to help you along the way. The following links provide valuable information on starting a business in Ireland:

• Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) - provide advice, information and support to you in starting up or growing your business. There are 31 dedicated teams across the Local Authority network in Ireland, offering a wide range of experience, skills and services. The LEO is for people interested in starting up a new business or already in business including entrepreneurs, early stage promoters, start-ups and small business looking to expand. Click here for our full list of services and supports.

• Enterprise Ireland - If you have a new business idea, you may qualify for funding and supports from Enterprise Ireland, or from your Local Enterprise Office. The New Frontiers Progranmme is the national programme designed to develop entrepreneurs, delivered on behalf of Enterprise Ireland by Institutes of Technology and Universities. Over three phases, you will gain the confidence and skills to develop your business idea within a supportive and encouraging environment. Consisting of practical and interactive workshops, personalised one-to-one mentoring, financial support and co-working space, New Frontiers is a game-changer for anyone serious about developing their business idea into a successful start-up.

• Citizens Information - advice for people thinking of setting up a business highlighting some of the important information you need to know with links to relevant topics.

• Údarás na Gaeltachta - can offer qualifying businesses and companies from various sectors a range of incentives and supports to start up, develop, expand or locate in a Gaeltacht region.

• CRO (Company Registration Office) - the central repository of public statutory information on Irish companies and business names. The CRO operates under the aegis of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

• Student Enterprise - This initiative run by the Network of Local Enterprise Offices of Ireland is Ireland’s largest student enterprise programme.

• Enterprise Ireland - The Student Entrepreneur Awards offers third level students from all academic disciplines and courses of study the opportunity to realise their entrepreneurial ambitions.

• Irish Local Development Newtwork -Local Development Companies (LDCs) are multi-sectoral partnerships that deliver community and rural development, labour market activation, social inclusion, climate action and social enterprise services.

• Foroige - Foróige is Ireland’s leading, most successful youth organisation.

• Shannon Commercial Properties - provides commercial property solutions for clients ranging from individuals and start-ups to multinational groups from every industry. Services offered include consulting, sourcing, leasing and selling office and industrial buildings, assisting with development of greenfield and industrial sites and delivering property management services.

• Grow Remote - Information on remote working hubs in Ireland

Many of the issues concerning new start up companies are discussed in our section on Work & Employment