STUDENTS from a range of disciplines are set to launch their own businesses thanks to Belfast City Council’s Belfast Enterprise Academy.
Now in its fourth year, 21 students participated in the programme designed for degree students living in the city and studying at Queen’s University, the University of Ulster and Belfast Metropolitan College who want to become entrepreneurs.
As part of the academy, they get to meet other successful entrepreneurs and receive one-to-one mentoring as well as help with developing a business plan.
This year, the programme also received accreditation from the Open College Network NI with the students gaining a Level 3 Award in business development skills. One of the degree students was local musician, Gary Todd: “I know how difficult it is for young bands getting bookings and setting up tours so I’m starting a company that will manage all that without taking a massive chunk out of the band’s profits.
“Up and Away Management is a joint venture with my colleague Peter McKevitt and will be based between Belfast and Manchester.
“The Belfast Enterprise Academy offered us the chance to discuss our business idea with a range of people.”
Stuart Cannell, another BEA participant, who works as a fine art artist, added: “When I read that we had to develop a business plan, I was worried that the romanticism within my art might diminish.
This might ultimately make art less about being creative and more about making money.
“However, throughout my time at the BEA, I realised that I could keep the romanticism and develop a business mentality that would work in conjunction with one another.”
Since the Belfast Enterprise Academy was launched four years ago, it has seen 18 new businesses established with the creation of 31 jobs.
For more information visit the council website at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/business or the council’s Facebook Belfast Business page at www.facebook.com/belfastbusinessinfo