Where to start as sole trader?

thewoodsman

I've been made unemployed and would like to start working for myself as I have an opportunity to work with someone who is looking for extra help. I would not qualify for longtime unemployment benefits, but am interested to know if there's any assistance to sole traders starting out?

Gloomtastic!

Nothing that I know of, you're really on your own when you become a sole trader!

https://www.revenue.ie/en/starting-a-business/what-is-a-business/index.aspx

If you are working for someone, be careful about whether you are defined as an employee or sole trader.

https://www.revenue.ie/en/employing-people/becoming-an-employer-and-ongoing-obligations/guide-to-pay-as-you-earn-paye/determining-the-employment-status-of-an-individual.aspx

Good luck to you!

mneylon

Make sure to get a decent accountant / bookkeeper.
Keep every single receipt

While there might be very little in the way of assistance there are courses and similar available from local chambers and enterprise boards:
https://www.localenterprise.ie/

Soletraders

I assume when you say 'I would not qualify for longtime unemployment benefits' you mean 'Jobseeker's allowance'. You say you have been made unemployed, you should qualify for Jobseeker's benefit as it's not means tested and from there you can qualify for the Short Term back to work enterprise allowance. This allows you to keep your payment while setting up a business. There is also an enterprise support grant of up to two and a half thousand available for business equipment, insurance e.t.c. Well worth applying for, to help you get your business started.