3,000 Newry & Mourne entrepreneurs to get help creating business plans
Plans for more than 3,000 new start-up businesses are set to be developed this year as part of The Regional Start Initiative.
The next generation of businessmen and women in the Newry, Mourne and Down area are being invited to get help turning their business ideas into tangible business plans that could help them to secure funding from banks or other potential investors.
In its fourth year, The Regional Start Initiative is now under the remit of the new 11 councils and is delivered by Invest NI, Enterprise Northern Ireland and the Local Enterprise Agency network. Since the programme started, companies have been launched in almost all sectors with an upsurge of businesses in the leisure, food and creative industries.
Gordon Gough, Chief Executive of Enterprise Northern Ireland commented, “To date the Regional Start Initiative has produced circa 3,400 business plans a year across Northern Ireland.
“We are encouraging people with a great business idea to get in touch. We have business advisers who offer bespoke one to one mentoring to help bring people’s business ideas to life, with a variety of workshops open to participants.
“Business plans are an important first step in the start-up process, helping attract potential investors and secure funding. Northern Ireland has a wealth of entrepreneurs with great business ideas. The aim of this Initiative is to help those entrepreneurs put together a business plan to help kick start their own business.
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Gordon added, “We have seen many success stories from this programme since its launch. There is a strong demand for these types of programmes to encourage entrepreneurship and we hope this year it will be even more successful.”
James Wallace Creative based in Downpatrick was started after owner James Wallace took part in the Regional Start Initiative in 2015. Mr Wallace was able to successfully apply for a Start Up Loan from Enterprise Northern Ireland using the business plan generated through the Regional Start Initiative.
Mr Wallace commented, “I have always worked in this sector but wanted to be my own boss. I approached Down Enterprise Agency for assistance putting my business plan together and was then able to apply for a start up loan.
“The loan helped me open my business a lot sooner than expected. The support I’ve received has been fantastic and the staff are always there whenever I need advice. I’d highly recommend anyone with an idea for a business plan get in touch with their local council and enterprise agency” he added.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Mickey Ruane said, “This programme has helped open many businesses in the area and I would encourage anyone with an idea for a new business to get in touch with their Local Enterprise Agency. We have a strong entrepreneurial spirit and this programme will help develop the latest generation of businessmen and women.”
For further information on the Regional Start Initiative programme please visit: https://www.enterpriseni.com
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