Empower Your Future with Our Support

Ards and North Down Borough Council is calling on all businesses and entrepreneurs from across the Borough to engage with its free business support services through the launch of the 'Empower Your Future with Our Support' campaign. This campaign is designed to raise awareness of the comprehensive support available to help companies and individuals thrive in today's competitive market.

Over the past year, the Council's Economic Development Service has delivered a range of innovative programmes, each designed to address various business and individual needs and challenges.  These programmes have provided critical support to more than 1,420 local businesses, which, as a result, have seen significant growth in their operational capabilities and market competitiveness.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart said, "I am pleased to say that I often meet with businesses from the Borough who have availed themselves of the free support services the Council offers. However, I am sure more local companies could benefit from engaging with our Economic Development Service. I hope this campaign will encourage more people to make contact, find out what support is available, and see how it can make a difference in their business."

Looking to Empower Your Future with Our Support? We offer a range of comprehensive programmes, including:

• Go Succeed: Free business support, mentoring, and masterclasses for start-ups and existing businesses.*
• 1:1 Free Advice: Private sessions with dedicated Economic Development Officers.
• Free Research Services: Funding searches and market intelligence.
• Digital Transformation Flexible Fund (DTFF): Grants of up to £20,000 for SME digital transformation.
• Mind Body Business: Health and wellbeing initiatives for businesses.

In 2024/25, programmes were also delivered in Agri-Food, supporting the Food and Drink sector, and Female Leadership, helping entrepreneurs enhance their business skills and gain a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) qualification.

Additionally, the Green Adaptation Programme enabled businesses to measure and reduce their carbon footprint and identify savings through a tailored carbon reduction plan. The Labour Market Partnership (LMP) has provided funding for an Employee Upskilling programme and delivered ten academies, which have supported over 200 people to achieve qualifications and sustainable employment.

Alison Stobie, Head of Economic Development for Ards and North Down Borough Council, said, "We are committed to supporting our local businesses and workforce. This campaign is a testament to our dedication to fostering a thriving economic environment. By providing these comprehensive support services, we aim to empower individuals and companies to reach their full potential.  We want to reach as many people as possible and ensure they know what is available 'on their doorstep' in terms of support and advice and we are always open to a conversation about new courses that would make a difference to the local business community."

Unlock your potential today! Visit www.andbusiness.co.uk for more information.