Council offers £500 start-up cash boost for local entrepreneurs

May 3, 2023

Aspiring entrepreneurs in Lisburn and Castlereagh are being offered a start-up cash boost – thanks to a council initiative called the ‘Self-Employment Support Programme’.

Lisburn and Castlereagh Labour Market Partnership (LMP), in conjunction with Tangible Consulting Ltd and Innovate NI, are looking for local people who are unemployed but keen to start their own business.

The new programme will offer them up to £500 to help establish their business, as well as advice, training and mentoring support as part of their new, entrepreneurial journey.

Funding for the programme has been provided by the Department for Communities through the Lisburn and Castlereagh Labour Market Partnership. The programme is open to residents of the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area who are currently unemployed.

Emma Fearon, Programme Manager at Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity and will help remove barriers to employment for 16 local people.

“The £500 bursary is available to all business sectors from childminding to construction - and can be spent on a wide range of start-up costs including equipment, computer software and hardware, marketing materials and other operational costs.”

If you would like to register your interest in the programme please email LMP@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk or call 028 92447 391.  For more information go to www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/business/labour-market-partnership.