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The Go For It Programme has supported over 7,200 would-be entrepreneurs across Northern Ireland in the last three years.

This project is part funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth and Jobs Northern Ireland (2014-2020) programme.

The Go For It programme is delivered free of charge by a team of experienced business advisors across Northern Ireland. It provides expert advice and help with developing a robust business plan, covering everything from financial forecasting to marketing and long-term sales growth.

John McCourt from Newtownabbey turned his hobby of creating his own beard oils and balms into an online beard care and grooming brand, Big Phat Beard, thanks to support from the Go For It Programme. He is pictured with Cllr Noreen McClelland, Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey and Emma Garrett, Chief Executive of Mallusk Enterprise Park.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Cllr Jim Montgomery said: “The Go For It Programme, delivered by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, helps candidates create a business plan tailored to their business idea, focusing on important elements such as financial forecasting and accounts, sales and marketing, and how they can potentially access funding.

“This tried and tested business plan provides candidates with a blue-print for building a successful and sustainable business model, and it gives them the final push they need to finally launch their business.

“If you’re thinking about starting a business in 2021, I would encourage you to get in touch and seek the support that the Go For It Programme provides.”

Dr Eugene McGuckin, Programme Manager, Northern Ireland Business Start Up Programme added: “The Go For It Programme continues to be a fantastic asset in helping entrepreneurs across Northern Ireland access the advice and support they need to develop a business plan.

“Over 7,200 new business plans in three years is a remarkable milestone, and local councils are really proud that so many entrepreneurs have seized the opportunity to establish the business of their dreams with the support of the Go For It Programme.”

For more information call 0800 027 0639 or visit www.goforitni.com

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In July the Newtownabbey Times reported that the council in partnership with Antrim Enterprise Agency, LEDCOM and Mallusk Enterprise Park was offering budding entrepreneurs ‘virtual’ access to the Go For It Programme to help them launch their business idea during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Newtownabbey entrepreneurs supported by Go For It Programme