Budding entrepreneurs across Belfast are seeing their businesses reach the next level thanks to a business programme funded by Belfast City Council.
The High Growth Pre-Enterprise Programme has helped local companies in key areas like product development, finance, sales and marketing. Participants also received £500 of tailored support to develop their business product or service.
Part-funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for NI, the programme was delivered for the council by business development agencies Work West and Ortus.
An event was held in City Hall recently to celebrate the achievements of the 45 participants on the programme with certificates presented by Councillor Guy Spence, deputy chair of the council’s Development Committee.
Anthony Hanna, from ProProject in north Belfast, said the programme was invaluable in providing him with the skills to develop his business.
“The programme was structured very well to give participants the time and resources to make the most from the seminars and workshops. As a solo founder of a business, it can sometimes become a bit overwhelming and having someone who can lend a hand, even for just a day or two, goes a long way to helping you out, especially when they are experts in their respective fields and can draw on years of experience.
“Our company website, for instance, needed improving and being provided with a very talented web designer to critique it and give it a professional polish was of significant value.”
Stephen McGilloway, from bigsmalldesign in Belfast, added: “When I applied for the programme, I saw it as a good means to take part in a staged process that would help build knowledge and understanding of the first six months in business.
“I took part in all the workshops which were varied but very relevant to my business, particularly with the building of a business plan.
“The programme was an excellent foundation for anyone considering working for themselves or starting a business.” Belfast City Council supports local business across the city with a number of business programmes and events throughout the year. For more information, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/business or www.facebook.com/belfastbusinessinfo.