Seed fund offers up to £1,000 bursary to support start-up businesses
Thu, November 23, 2023
Budding entrepreneurs from across Causeway Coast and Glens have been given a boost this week with the launch of a business start-up seed fund bursary of up to £1,000.
Causeway Coast and Glens Labour Market Partnership, funded by the Department for Communities, will support 40 people who are unemployed or economically inactive to start a new business.
Labour Market Partnerships, which create targeted employment action plans for council areas, allow for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.
Welcoming the scheme, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan said: “Helping local people into self-employment and to start a business is so important for the Causeway Coast and Glens area, and in particular those who are economically inactive or unemployed.
“We can support new businesses across all sectors, based at home or in dedicated premises. The new business can be full-time or part-time, and this could include all sectors and ideas including crafts, childminding from home, self-employed construction contracting, personal trainers, retail shops, cafés and delivery drivers.”
The Seed Fund Programme is now open for applications and the bursary of up to £1,000 can go towards a wide range of start-up costs including capital equipment, computer software and hardware, marketing materials, and other operational costs.
In addition to the bursary up to £1,000, applicants will be able to access important advice, training and mentoring as part of their new business journey.
Cllr Callaghan added: “This Labour Market Partnership funding from the Department for Communities will really help 40 local people to start a business and to change their lives, and we thank the Department for their ongoing investment in our Borough.”
If you would like to register your interest in the programme and start-up bursary, please email LMP@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk, call 028 7034 7034 or visit www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/LMP