A new scheme run by Belfast City Council aims to give small business and social enterprise leaders time out and support to plan for business.
Time to Think Productively
The free programme, entitled ‘‘Think. Do. Be.’, is partly funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth & Jobs Northern Ireland (2014-2020) Programme.
Councillor Mairéad O’Donnell, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee said: “We’ve listened carefully to what small business owners need and we’ve recognised that often, it’s hard to get the time or head space to think productively about growing your business without some support.
“So that’s why we’ve launched ‘Think. Do. Be’. It’s the perfect opportunity for those running a micro, small business or social enterprise to take a little time out to access the expertise they need – whether that’s in financial management, PR and marketing, developing export opportunities, logistics, or innovation.
“By signing up to ‘Think. Do. Be’, you’ll not only create some valuable space to plan for your business growth, you’ll build your network of contacts and meet your own, experienced mentor, who’ll work with you to take your business to the next level. And together, you’ll plan your next steps.”
Get with the Programme and Boost Your Business
Participants will receive both one to one and group specialist mentoring and the chance to attend seminars delivered by experienced business consultants, all designed to grow their business. To join the programme, you need to be heading a Belfast-based micro or small business or small social enterprise that’s been operating for more than a year. You must not be currently in receipt of support from Invest NI.
Moira Loughran, Regional Business Manager, Invest NI added: “It can feel pretty lonely working to establish your business. What Belfast City Council is offering through the ‘Think. Do. Be’ programme is a network of support – and access to people who’ve gone through and successfully tackled similar challenges.
“Combined with other support the council offers, assistance available through Invest NI and the vast amounts of information available on nibusinessinfo.co.uk, we are ensuring our small businesses are guided and supported at every stage of their growth.”
If your small business of social enterprise fulfils the entry requirements, why not apply by visiting www.belfastcity.gov.uk/thinkdobe or phoning 028 90 270482.
