Council To Help Kick Start New Firms

A free programme launched this week by Belfast City Council is offering financial incentives of £1,500 to help budding entrepreneurs kick start their business.

The KickStart programme will also provide specialist workshops and one to one tailored mentoring for early stage firms in Belfast with potential for growth.


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 Carole Howard, Deputy Chair of Belfast City Council's City Growth and Regeneration Committee said: "We're passionate about supporting business growth through our Belfast Agenda. We've listened to entrepreneurs to find out what they need as they're getting started and we've designed KickStart in response to that feedback.


"KickStart will help Belfast based businesses trading for two years or less, or those that have the potential to start trading within six months. Cash flow is essential when you're getting started, so too is the confidence of knowing that you're making decisions based on the right information. KickStart will help with both – and provide the motivation and focus that's so vital in the early days of getting a business off the ground."


Michael McQuillan, Chief Executive of Enterprise Northern Ireland, said: "The NI economy relies on more small and micro businesses surviving the early stages of their journey and being able to shape up for longer term growth.


"The KickStart programme provides focused support for Belfast based businesses to put their foundations for growth in place, ensuring a solid foundation to develop a strong and resilient economy throughout NI."


To find out more and register, contact your Local Enterprise Agency:


• East Belfast Enterprise Park: 028 9094 2010


• North City Business Centre: 028 9074 7470


• Ormeau Business Park: 028 9033 9906


• Ortus: 028 9031 1002


• Work West Enterprise Agency: 028 9061 0826.