BUDDING entrepreneurs from across Belfast are seeing their business ideas flourish after taking part in an enterprise programme funded by the City Council.
They completed the Market Start-Up Programme, which explored market trading as a business model and gave new-start businesses within the food and craft industries in Belfast the chance to test trade products at St George’s Market and two popup shops in the city.
The 22 received certificates for completing the programme at a special ceremony in City Hall recently.
Among them was Aikaterini Paraskaki, who traded successfully with her traditional Greek food and is hoping to open a food outlet in the city soon. Sivanesan Ramamoorthy, who specialises in serving Sri Lankan-style dishes, has launched his business as a dining club.
Helen Harty is selling her fused glass products at other craft fairs, as is Emma Ratcliffe with her illustrations and art products and Leah O’Neill with her handmade felt and jewellery pieces.
All of the participants on the programme took part in workshops introducing them to market trading; had one-to-one mentoring to help develop their business ideas and guidance with developing a business plan.
They also took part in bestpractice visits to food and craft businesses in the city; international food and craft trade events and a ‘Meet the Buyer’ event.
In March, participants on the programme set up their own pop-up shop called We Make, in Queen Street Studios, Bedford Street, selling a range of their own products from hand-printed fabrics; bridal jewellery, paper crafts and celebration cakes.
A pop-up shop was also set up in the Titanic Quarter during the Giro d’Italia Big Start event, where some of the participants traded, selling a selection of their products.
The Market Start-Up Programme was delivered by Full Circle Management Solutions on behalf of the council.
For more information on the council’s business programmes or upcoming business events, you can visit the council website www.belfastcity.gov.uk/business or www.facebook.com/belfastbusinessinfo