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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has launched its latest business support programme to assist local small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) who wish to avail of lucrative funding opportunities to grow and even transform their businesses.
The ‘Access to Funding Programme’ is facilitated by NMD Business Growth. It provides a series of support initiatives to help local SMEs enhance their knowledge and skills, to grow their businesses and create more employment opportunities. The NMD Business Growth programme 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 new programme aims to equip participants with the skills and knowledge to create effective, well written and successful funding applications. Experienced mentors will explain the fundamental elements of building a strong funding application and detail how to maximise the opportunities available.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Cathy Mason explained why those eligible for the programme should participate saying, “Applying for grants can be a daunting experience, especially if you are unfamiliar with how to complete them or if you have been unsuccessful in the past. It is easy to get bogged down with confusing terminology or be hesitant in applying for grants that could hugely benefit your business. This programme offers the perfect opportunity to gain confidence in this area and avail of essential tips and advice from some of the most experienced mentors in the business.”
Cllr Mason continued, “These programmes are designed specifically with the needs of local businesses from a wide range of sectors in mind. By registering for free, you are already taking the first step to transforming the impact you can make to the growth of your business. With so many funding opportunities available, any business that wishes to access them should sign up to ensure they have the necessary skills and resources to be successful in their applications.”
Participants will receive access to one half-day workshop, covering the fundamentals of application submissions, as well as tailored one-to-one mentoring support to help them utilise their new skills and put theory into practice. The Programme is open to businesses based in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area, employing less than 50 staff and who have an active interest in applying for funding support.
For more information on all NMD Business support, including the Access to Funding Programme, visit WWW.NMDBUSINESS.ORG or contact stephanie@fullcircle.eu.com to register.
