Coleraine entrepreneurs urged to join the ‘Journey To Market’

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Calling on Coleraine Entrepreneurs to join the Journey to Market are from left, Programme Manager, Lara Goodall; InvestNI, Client Executive, Tara Herron; Coleraine Borough Council Economic Development Officer, Martin Clark and Coleraine Borough Council Economic Development Officer, Town Management Julienne Elliott. The programme is due to commence in June 2014. To apply to take part in the innovative scheme details are available from lara@laragoodallconsulting.com before the 6th of June. — No Fee for Reproduction Calling on Coleraine Entrepreneurs to join the Journey to Market are from left, Programme Manager, Lara Goodall; InvestNI, Client Executive, Tara Herron; Coleraine Borough Council Economic Development Officer, Martin Clark and Coleraine Borough Council Economic Development Officer, Town Management Julienne Elliott. The programme is due to commence in June 2014. To apply to take part in the innovative scheme details are available from [email protected] before the 6th of June.

programme run by Coleraine Borough Council.

Fifteen local entrepreneurs are being sought to participate in the first of two ‘Journey To Market’ programmes, which is part funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland.

The programme will provide the successful applicants with the supportthey need to establish and develop their business idea. The support includes four days of expert mentoring and a series of seminars covering Business Planning, Marketing, Visual Merchandising andProduct Development. Participants will also have the opportunity to complete the highly acclaimed accredited customer service training programme, World Host.

The programme culminates in three showcase events targeting the Christmas market.

The aim is to support entrepreneurs to them develop their idea and prepare them to bring their goods and services successfully to the local markets.

Mayor of Coleraine, Councillor David Harding said: “Coleraine Borough Council is delighted to be offering this programme as it has long recognised that there is a wealth of talented food and craft producers in the area.

“The Journey to Market Programme will highlight opportunities for existing businesses to take on new markets, new methods of working and diversifying their business. I encourage all local food producers and crafters to take advantage of this specialised mentoring programme”

Des Gartland, Invest NI’s North West Regional Manager said: “The Journey to Market programme will give new and existing businesses

access to on the ground practical support to help grow their business.

Programmes such as this are bringing wide ranging benefits to a large number of our small and medium sized local businesses and ensuring that the right support is provided when and where it is most needed.”

Council are delighted to be able to offer 30 places altogether on two programmes. This is the first round of recruitment with the second planned for November 2014. If you cannot commit to registering for June then consider taking this opportunity and register early for the second programme.

Anyone interested in taking part in the Journey to Market programme should contact Lara Goodall on 07793 388 343, [email protected] to discuss the programme or complete an application.

The deadline for applications is 6th June at 5.00pm.