Ballymena’s enterprising explorers are congratulated

Over the past three years The Prince’s Trust, with the support of the European Social Fund, Department of Education and Learning and Invest Northern Ireland, has supported more than 107 young people in County Antrim who have received the help they needed to develop their ideas into real businesses.

With unemployment for young people at an all time high in Northern Ireland, many of these new enterprises have helped boost the local economy and provide employment at a time when it is increasingly difficult for young people to start out in the world of business.

Ballymena Mayor, Cllr. Hubert Nicholl provided words of encouragement to the young people and presented them with Certificates of Attendance on the completion of the course.

Bronagh McCulla, Programme Executive – Enterprise Programme with the Prince’s Trust said: “Our Enterprise Programme aims to support young people interested in self employment to explore and test their ideas, write plans and start their own businesses or achieve alternative outcomes in education, training, volunteering or work.

“The Programme is designed to help a young person decide if self-employment is for them. A ‘Will it Work’ grant of up to £250 is available to help research a business idea and the young person can access mentoring support from a Business Mentor. The Enterprise Programme can also help with Start Up loans of up to £5,000 and in special circumstances grants of up to £1,500.”

Jenine McIlroy, Business Advisor, Ballymena Business Centre said: “This has been a fantastic opportunity for local young people to find out about starting in business. We look forward to developing more local enterprise initiatives in partnership with The Prince’s Trust”.

Anyone interested in The Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme can contact Bronagh McCulla on 028 90 758109 or [email protected].

For enterprise and business opportunities available through Ballymena Business Centre visit www.ballymenabusiness.co.uk