Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is inviting local business owners, producers and creatives to take their next step towards growth through the latest Journey to Market Programme.
The practical business development initiative is designed to help participants build their skills, confidence and market-readiness, while using the award-winning Causeway Speciality Market as a platform to test ideas, connect with customers and develop their businesses.
Following the success of the first Journey to Market Programme, participants will have the opportunity to take part in a programme of practical workshops, one-to-one mentoring and supported trading opportunities.
The Causeway Speciality Market, held in the heart of Coleraine town centre, was named UK’s Best Small Outdoor Market in 2024 and is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
The popular market attracts strong visitor numbers throughout the year and regularly features up to 50 stalls showcasing local produce, products and talent.
Whether you are starting out and want to test a new product or business idea, or you are an established business looking to increase visibility, reach new customers, gather feedback or grow sales, the Journey to Market Programme is designed to help you make the most of the opportunity.
The programme is about more than learning how to trade at a market. It will help participants understand how markets can be used as a wider business development platform – providing an opportunity to test, learn, connect with customers and build towards sustainable growth.
Participants will benefit from:
- One-to-one mentoring and practical support;
- Workshops covering key areas including legal compliance, pricing for profit, selling and merchandising, digital marketing and branding;
- Opportunities to connect directly with customers and gain valuable feedback;
- Increased exposure for their brand and access to new customers;
- A supportive network of like-minded business owners;
- A supported route to showcasing their business at the Causeway Speciality Market;
- Two free trading pitches at the Causeway Speciality Market, providing an opportunity to put learning into practice; and
- A small grant, available on successful completion of the programme, to help with market stall presentation and dressing.
The programme provides a supportive environment for participants to develop their skills and confidence while gaining real-world experience in one of Northern Ireland’s established artisan markets.
Applications are now being invited from local business owners, producers and creatives who are ready to take their business to the next stage.
Apply online, via https://bit.ly/4y9D7xf.
Applications close 28 October.