Breaking barriers in business as Derry hosts inclusive startup summit

Derry City and Strabane District Council, in partnership with Enterprise North West and Go Succeed NI, are jointly hosting an event designed to support people living with a disability or long-term health conditions who are exploring the idea and possibility of starting up their own business.

For many people seeking to enter the workforce on their own terms, entrepreneurship and self-employment offers a pathway to working, flexibility, control over their working conditions, and doing something they are passionate about. However, the startup journey can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate without any clear support or guidance.

The purpose of this event is to bridge that gap and highlight the support available to entrepreneurs of all abilities and backgrounds.

The event is scheduled to take place at the Destined building on Derry's Foyle Road on Thursday, February 19, and will look at best-practice examples in inclusive entrepreneurship, focusing on how enterprise support can better meet the needs of disabled founders and those who are living with long-term health conditions.

The event will see a trio of inspirational keynote speakers at the event, these being; Jennifer Smyth - Jenn’s Gym, Ellie Coyle - Ellie’s Guiding Light, and Helen Hancock - Helen Hancock Glass. Each speaker will share their own story and lived experience of building their businesses while managing their disability or health condition. The speakers will also take part in a live Q&A session, taking questions and offering valuable insights and information to all attendees.

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Also speaking on the day will be various support organisations, who will be on hand to offer practical advice on getting started, identifying funding opportunities, understanding supports available, and highlighting expert guidance available through support programmes.

While the event itself is taking place in-person, it will also be streamed online for those not able to make it on the day.

Registration is free, but capacity is limited. Places can be secured through the following link:  Startability: Empowering Entrepreneurship, Removing Barriers | glistrr

This workshop is delivered as part of Go Succeed NI, a major UK-government-funded initiative supporting entrepreneurs and businesses across Northern Ireland.