COUNCIL AND BUSINESS CENTRE LAUNCH SUPPORT FOR FLEDGLING COMPANIES

The Council and Ards Business Centre have launched a new support programme for fledgling companies to bridge the gap left by the temporary loss of the Northern Ireland-wide 'Go For It' programme for the Ards Borough area.

Using expert business advisors, the new Ards Business Support Programme will offer start-up and small businesses training and advice in everything from business planning and accounting to marketing, IT and social media, with follow-up sessions to provide further direction and encouragement.

The new programme has been developed by Ards Business Centre in response to the change in delivery of Invest NI's 'Go For It Programme' which faces a legal challenge to its procurement process. Nichola Lockhart, Chief Executive, Ards Business Centre, said:

"In response to numerous enquiries from entrepreneurs within the Ards Borough, we have developed a programme to assist these individuals with starting up their businesses in the interim period as a result of the ongoing legal process between InvestNi and Enterprise NI. We feel continuity of this support in a local office is vital in the current economic climate and are pleased that Ards Borough Council are supporting us".

Ards Borough Council is providing financial support to the programme, which it considers crucial to the growth of small businesses, as Chairman of the Council's Development Committee, Councillor Stephen McIlveen, explained:

"Businesses at the very early stages of development need specialist and direct support. Without the established programme, opportunities will undoubtedly be lost and new enterprise will suffer. The Business Centre's programme will help to ensure that the kind of support required will be available in the short-term and we in Ards Borough Council are pleased to be offering the financial assistance to get this new programme up and running," he said.

For further information about the new Business Support Programme, contact Karen Lindsay-Barry on 028 9181 9787 ext 221.