DERRY City and Strabane District Council is calling aspiring local entrepreneurs to ‘Go For It’ by accessing free support as part of the new Northern Ireland Business Start Up Programme.‘Go For It’ is part funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth and Jobs Northern Ireland (2014-2020) Programme and local Councils, and is delivered by a team of highly experienced business mentors.
The Programme helps individuals considering starting their own business to produce a Business Plan, one of the most important steps in starting a new business and moving into self-employment.
Tailored advice and training support are also provided through the programme to individuals at this critical start-up stage.
Speaking at this week’s launch at the Strabane Enterprise Agency, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Maolíosa McHugh, encouraged all local start-ups to avail of the programme.
“I am delighted to launch our Council’s strand of the Go For It scheme which will help guide local budding entrepreneurs through every step of the start-up process to turn their business vision into a reality.
“The programme offers expert mentoring in the business related challenges of starting up such as financial and business planning, accessing funding and best practise to help build the foundations for a sustainable business model.
“New start-up businesses play a key role in our local economy, both in stimulating growth and creating jobs so it is important that we give them all the support and guidance they need to be successful.”
Since completing her business plan with the support of the programme and launching her Haus of MoHawk label last year, local designer Lynsey McGarrigle has enjoyed unprecedented success, showcasing twice at London Fashion Week and designing bespoke pieces for a host of well-known celebrities.
“The Go For It Program assisted me greatly in overcoming the business related challenges of starting-up,” says Lynsey.
“I could tap into the creative and artistic elements that I was qualified to do as a fashion designer but I lacked experience of the commercial aspects like a business plan, banking, sourcing funding, learning to keep accounts and registering with HMRC.
“Without support Haus Of MoHawk would not be where it is today and on a personal note I have learnt a lot through the program and have become more business savvy.
“I would personally recommend the programme to anyone who would like to set up their own business.”
For more information visit www.goforitni.com, call 0800 027 0639; or visit your local enterprise agency.
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