A new programme aimed at providing essential support to start up businesses has been launched by Ballybane Enterprise Centre.
Specifically developed to meet the needs of new businesses, the BizPlus Start Up Programme offers start up businesses which avail of Ballybane Enterprise Centre’s Shared Office Suite for a 12 month period, free access to one hour’s professional business mentoring each month and three months free desk space.
Announcing the initiative, Liam Bluett, general manager of Ballybane Enterprise Centre said he hoped the BizPlus Start Up programme would encourage more entrepreneurs to start their own business and also contribute to the development of new enterprises in the east of the city.
“Starting a new business is a very challenging time for entrepreneurs, and not least financially with outgoings often exceeding income for the first few months. Our new BizPlus start up programme recognises the difficulties that new business owners face and provides them with the low cost facilities they need to operate their business combined with hands on support during that crucial first 12 months,” said Bluett.
“Often the reason a business fails during the first year is lack of expert advice on a particular issue or problem. Whether it is how to promote their business, or file their first tax return our team of professional advisors will be available to guide new entrepreneurs through the challenges of the first year,” Bluett said.
Established by St Columba’s Credit Union, Ballybane Enterprise Centre is committed to improving the opportunities for people working locally or setting up a business in the common bond area of St Columba’s Credit Union. In addition to the BizPlus Start Up Programme Ballybane Enterprise Centre runs a series of monthly seminars and workshops to help business owners develop the skills they need to succeed. Recent seminars have included presentations on HR, sales training and planning for small businesses.
