Led by ABC Council in partnership with Armagh Business Centre, Banbridge District Enterprises and Craigavon Industrial Development Organisation, the new Scheme will offer a limited number of cash grants of up to £500 to assist with the development of new businesses across the borough.
Now accepting applications, the Scheme is open to new start-ups based in the borough who have joined the Go For It Programme since 1 July 2021, completed their business plan by 30 September 2021 and will begin trading within six months of finishing the Programme, demonstrating the greatest potential for growth.
Speaking at the launch of the Business Start-Up Grant Scheme, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Glenn Barr said:
“With an abundance of skilled, ambitious and hardworking people, our borough has long been praised as a strong entrepreneurial region. As a council, we recognise the important role entrepreneurs play in ensuring inclusive recovery and growth across our local economy, which is why we are committed to continuing our support within this key business sector.
“We hope this Scheme will help support the creation and sustainability of new business start-ups within the borough; and I would encourage anyone that is eligible to speak to their local enterprise agency to find out more.”
Helping eligible entrepreneurs fund some of the expenses associated with the start-up process, the grant aid can be used to cover everything from rent, rates, new equipment and stock to training memberships, courses and the fit out of business premises.
Speaking on behalf of the partnering enterprise agencies, Dermot Hicks said:
“We are delighted to be able to offer this support to emerging businesses in the borough and we hope that it will encourage more people to pursue their passion of starting their own business.”
To find out more about the Programme, eligibility and assessment process, get in touch with your local enterprise agency:
- Armagh Business Centre: Dermot Hicks 028 3752 5050, Dermot@abcarmagh.com
- Banbridge District Enterprises: Samuel Marshall 028 40 662260, Samuel@bdelonline.com
- Craigavon Industrial Development Organisation (CIDO): Kirsty Watson 028 38 396520, watson@cido.co.uk.
