All Council Collaboration On New NI-Wide Business Start Up Programme

Northern Ireland councils have welcomed the transfer of economic development powers from central government, which included the transfer of responsibility for the NI Business Start Up Programme (NIBSUP), formerly managed by Invest NI.

Over recent years the well-known 'Go For It' programme was operated by Invest Northern Ireland and going forward this programme will now be the collective responsibility of all 11 councils with the contract being managed by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.

Dr Theresa Donaldson, Chief Executive of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, said: "This programme that allows individuals from across Northern Ireland to get support for their new business plan is a strong example of collaborative working across the eleven councils. Strategically, the 11 Chief Executives will govern the overall direction of NIBSUP and ensure that all set targets are being met.

"Through partnership working all the Councils will work to jointly deliver and fund this programme to ensure a quality service is delivered. The NIBSUP will increase the number of entrepreneurs across Northern Ireland providing jobs to the local economy on an annual basis. It is important that entrepreneurs are supported in today's society as they generate wealth and opportunity by developing their ideas into commercial ventures."

The NI Business Start Up Programme will help individuals develop a business plan and assist with access to finance to start and grow the business. It is possible to get support to set up a variety of businesses and previous examples that have availed of the Go For It programme include accountants and book-keepers, engineering consultancy, franchisor and restaurants.

Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive of Belfast City Council, added: "We have made a commitment through our new community plans to create a step change in business growth across the region. The Councils will have a focus on supporting new start-ups as part of these strategies.

"Working together, the 11 Councils have formed a strong partnership and are committed to ensuring anyone with a good business idea can access quality business advice and guidance to help them start and grow their business."

If you want to start your own business and would like free assistance with your business plan, please phone 0800 027 0639 or log on to www.goforitni.com to arrange a meeting with a business adviser.