Development and Implementation of the Back for Business Programme
The contract covers the development and implementation of the Back for Business programme for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Ireland’s government department responsible for foreign policy, diplomatic relations and support for citizens abroad. The programme must address the skills, enterprise and capability gaps of emigrants who have returned, or plan to return, to live and work in Ireland, with the objective of fostering and supporting entrepreneurial activity among this group. The appointed single provider will design and deliver a tailored work programme, building on the programme previously operated annually from 2022 to 2026, and must demonstrate the experience, capability and vision to deliver these services. The estimated contract value is £1,015,000, with a four-year term and an option for DFAT to extend it by one additional year. Delivery is required across Ireland, including region IE0. The critical qualification is the ability to provide suitable, experienced programme development and implementation services addressing the specified entrepreneurial and capability needs.
Buyer: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade/An Roinn Gnóthaí Eachtracha agus Trádála. Source: eTenders Ireland. Updated 6 Oct 2026.
Key facts
- Estimated value: €1m
- Bids close: 4 Nov 2026
- Location: Ireland
- Procedure: Open
- Category: Foreign affairs and other services (75210000)
From the official notice
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is seeking proposals from suitable, experienced service providers who have the capability and vision to develop and implement a tailored work programme to address the skills, enterprise and capability gaps of emigrants who have returned, or plan to return, to live and work in Ireland in order to foster and support entrepreneurial activity amongst that specific group. The Department is seeking ONE single provider of the service which may be a person(s), firm(s), company(ies), partnership(s), corporation(s) or other commercial entity. The programme will run for four years and the Department will have the option to extend by one additional year. Each year from 2022 to 2026, the Department ran a programme ‘Back for Business’, which sought to address these needs. The Department has decided that there is merit in continuing a programme that meets these aims and is seeking a provider on that basis.
View the official notice
Questions about this tender
When is the deadline?
Bids close on 4 Nov 2026.
What is it worth?
The estimated value is €1m.
Who can apply?
Any supplier that meets the buyer's requirements can apply. Check the official notice for conditions.
How do I bid?
Open the official notice, register on the buyer's portal and submit your bid before the deadline.
Similar tenders
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
See all live tenders