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Start a Business Programme (Go For It) (Non Council Service)
A

Department
Development Services

Description
Click here to download the Start a Business Programme application form

The Start a Business programme is a new package of support drawing on the resources of Local Government, Central Government and the European Union, to stimulate enterprise by encouraging and supporting individuals into self employment in Northern Ireland. It is part of the Invest NI 'Go For It' campaign.

Who provides the Programme
Your local Council will manage and deliver the Start a Business programme with support from Invest NI and the European Union.

What the Programme offers
The Start a Business programme offers a comprehensive package of support to those entering self employment for the first time. The main elements are:

  • A comprehensive Business Advisory Service which provides one to one mentoring support to assist individuals in the development of their business plan.
  • A four day Business Training Course which will help potential entrepreneurs to understand the practicalities of running their own business, highlighting the specific barriers they may encounter in production, sales, marketing and fanancial planning.
  • A full financial planning service which will identify potential sources of funding available to individuals and will include access to Programme grant support and business loans.
  • An ongoing advisory service which will track and assist clients over their first full year of businesss operation.

Who will benefit
The Programme is open to anyone who is thinking about starting a new business provided you meet the following criteria:
  • You are aged between 18 - 65.
  • You have not previously been self employed within six months of making an application to jointhe Programme.
  • Your proposed business is a new venture for you and you have not already started trading.
  • Your business will be a full time business requiring full time involvement by you.


Your commitment
The Programme requires your full commitment and participation. Taking a decision to start your own business is a major step - it requires detailed planning and research. The Programme will help you to do this, provided you:

  • Agree to spend up to four hours of initial planning reviews with your business advisor.
  • Agree to undertake and complete the four day Business Training course.
  • Agree to participate in up to six hours of post-training discussions with your business advisor to prepare a formal business plan.
  • Agree to carry out research and provide information required bt the business advisor to help you draw up a realistic and achievable business plan.
  • Agree to co-operate in helping to identify any problems you may encounter during your first year in business.

How much will it cost
The services provided under the Programme are free to all participants. You are expected only to give full commitment to the various parts of the Programme which are designed to help you towards a successful business launch.

Process
Application forms for the Start a Business programme can be downloaded by following the instructions below:
  • Click on the form link (the form will be available in PDF format)
  • Print out the form
  • Fill in the relevant information
  • Return the form to:
    Carrickfergus Enterprise Agency Ltd
    8 Meadowank Road
    Carrickfergus BT38 8YF

    Tel: 028 9336 9528

You can also contact Alan Braithwaite, Economic Development Manager by Email or Tel: 028 9335 8034