Council Launches New Small Business Support Programme

Belfast City Council has launched a new supportive programme for Belfast based micro, small businesses and social enterprises, called 'Think.Do.Be.'.

Participants in this innovative, free new programme will receive both one to one and group specialist mentoring, along with the opportunity to attend seminars delivered by experienced business consultants - all designed to grow their business. This project is part 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."

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."

The 'Think.Do.Be' programme is open to Belfast based companies not currently receiving support from Invest NI and who have been operating for more than a year.

(MH)