|
First Step was setup in 1991 as a not for profit organisation. The objective of First Step is to provide micro loan finance. It offers the self employed or those interested in self employment loan capital, mentoring and on-going support to help start up a micro businesses and progress towards operational sustainability while ensuring that those businesses which are bankable go to the banks for their finance.
Loans are available under the following headings:
First Step / European Investment Fund-Loan Guarantee Scheme
First Step has been appointed as a designated intermediary for the Republic of Ireland to lend to micro enterprises and to avail of the European Investment Fund Loan Guarantee Scheme.
First Step Enterprise Fund
This Co-financed through private sector and E.U. Seed & Venture Capital Funding. This fund provides loans repayable over three years of up to €25,000 for entrepreneurs unable to raise sufficient capital from any other source.
First Step Back To Work Loan Fund
This is Co-Financed by Government aimed specifically at long term unemployed, approved for the Department of Social, Community & Family Affairs Back to Work Allowance. Loans available up to 10,000 repayable interest free over three years. Application forms are only available from Jobs Facilitators in your local Social Welfare Office and Local Area Partnerships.
Click here to download an application form and business plan documents from the First Step web site.
| 
