New "Succeed in Enterprise" scheme to boost Derry and Strabane entrepreneurs

PICTURED ABOVE: ENTERPRISE LAUNCH. . . . The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Ruari McHugh pictured at the launch of the 'Succeed in Enterprise' programme at the Guildhall on Thursday morning. The programme is a key element and will be delivered across two-years in partnership with Enterprise North West and Strabane Enterprise Agency, drawing on their expertise and previous success in delivering similar core business development programmes. Included from left are Emma Quinn, Project Officer, LMP, Derry City and Strabane District Council, Caolan Campbell, Contract Manager, Enterprise North West and Orla McNulty, Chief Executive Officer, Strabane Enterprises. (Photo: Jim McCafferty Photography)

The Succeed in Enterprise programme is led by the Derry and Strabane Labour Market Partnership (DSLMP) and is being delivered as part of a province-wide approach developed by the Department for Communities (DfC) in an effort to deliver employability support locally. 

Funded by the DfC, Labour Market Partnerships (LMP) create targeted employment action plans for council areas, allowing for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.

The LMP programme aims to address employment and training issues by pooling local resources and providing a joined up and flexible approach to employability support.

The Council, along with the other ten local authorities, has established a local labour market partnership and action plan tailored to the needs of each individual council area.

The Succeed in Enterprise programme is a key element and will be delivered across two-years in partnership with Enterprise North West and Strabane Enterprise Agency, drawing on their expertise and previous success in delivering similar core business development programmes.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, said it would provide much needed support for new entrepreneurs and anyone wishing to explore the self-employment route.

He said: “I am delighted to see the launch of the Succeed in Enterprise programme, which represents a vital investment in the untapped potential of our local people. We know that many individuals across Derry and Strabane have fantastic business ideas but often lack the specialised guidance or financial confidence to take that first step. 

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“By removing these barriers and providing a tailored, supportive environment, we are not just helping people start businesses, we are fostering a more resilient and inclusive local economy. I would encourage anyone who has ever dreamed of being their own boss, but felt held back by their circumstances, to reach out and see how this partnership can help turn their ambition into a reality.”

The Succeed in Enterprise programme aims to support local people who want to start a business but face a number of barriers to progressing through mainstream channels due to personal circumstances, as explained by the Council's Labour Market Partnership Manager, Nicky Gilleece.

"Succeed in Enterprise will help develop both business and personal skills and address structural and personal barriers, building skills, confidence and self-esteem," she said.

"It will also help participants to explore business concepts, leading to the development of business plans, testing of business ideas and the creation of new businesses.

"The programme will help to bridge this gap for individuals who may need additional support to progress their business ambitions."

Caolan Campbell, Programme Manager for the Succeed in Enterprise programme at Enterprise North West, said they were delighted to be working with the Council to deliver the programme.

"Enterprise North West and our partner Strabane Enterprise Agency are delighted to be once again able to provide this much needed support to local aspiring entrepreneurs," he said.

"In our experience, the combination of one-to-one specialist mentoring, workshops and financial support offered by Succeed in Enterprise is the best way to help new businesses get off the ground."

To find out more about the Succeed in Enterprise programme and how you can benefit, email Enterprise North West: info@enterprisenw.com, Strabane Enterprise Agency: info@seagency.co.uk or call 028 71352693 (ENW) or 028 7138 2518 (SEA).