Start A Business This New Year

Entrepreneurs in Belfast are being encouraged to make starting a business their New Year's Resolution.

Many of us have dreamed of giving up the nine-to-five and becoming our own boss, whether it be as a personal trainer, massage therapist, car-detailer or event planner.

The perfect time to set goals for the year ahead, would-be business owners are urged to take the leap and realise their dreams with the help of the Go For It Programme.

The scheme aims to help budding entrepreneurs dream up more than a good idea by providing free expert advice and support when creating a business plan. It has mentored over 6,000 people across all 11 Council areas of Northern Ireland in the past two years through its wide network of enterprise agencies.

Councillor Ryan Murphy, Chair of Belfast City Council's City Growth and Regeneration Committee advised local business owners to make 2020 the year they take the plunge.

He said: "We'd encourage anyone in the Belfast City Council area who's made a New Year's resolution to start a business to take that first step with the support of the Go For It Programme.

"Go For It offers budding entrepreneurs expert mentoring on the real challenges facing local start-up businesses. It helps entrepreneurs create a business plan tailored to their business idea, focusing on financial forecasting and accounts, sales and marketing, and how they can potentially access funding.

"This tried and tested business plan provides people with a blue-print for building a successful and sustainable business model, and gives them the final push they need to launch their business.

"So, if you're thinking about starting a business in 2020, we have a team of experienced business mentors through our network of enterprise agencies that are fully equipped to provide you with the expert advice and support you need to take the plunge and start your own business."



(JG/CM)