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A free enterprise support service has helped 1,648 businesses in the Newry, Mourne and Down district over the last two years, highlighting the strength of entrepreneurship in the area and the critical need for region-wide support.
The figures were revealed by Go Succeed, which is funded by the UK Government and all 11 local councils, at a special event in Parliament Buildings to mark Global Entrepreneurship Week. The service has been helping local businesses to start, grow and scale since its launch in November 2023.
Since launching, Go Succeed has awarded 209 grants to businesses in the Newry, Mourne and Down district worth more than £635,704, enabling entrepreneurs and businesses to scale their operations and invest in new technology and equipment to drive efficiencies and growth. Masterclasses have been delivered to 1,594 entrepreneurs in the district, in addition to almost 12,127 hours of free one-to-one mentorship provided to local businesses.
Marie Ward, Chief Executive of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, speaking on behalf of Go Succeed, said the service "has brought together all council authorities, alongside our delivery partners and the wider business and entrepreneurial ecosystem in an incredible collaborative effort to drive business growth in this region." She noted that supporting the goals of Northern Ireland Executive and the Department for the Economy, Go Succeed brings together the expertise and local knowledge needed to drive innovation, job creation and improve regional balance.
Across Northern Ireland, Go Succeed services have directly led to the creation of around 2,500 new businesses and more than 3,500 new jobs. The service is delivered through all 11 councils in Northern Ireland and provides a range of services free of charge to entrepreneurs and businesses at every stage of their journey.
Speaking at the Global Entrepreneurship Week event at Stormont, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said the impacts highlight the critical importance of the service in supporting the future economic growth and prosperity of the region. Go Succeed was specifically developed to provide an integrated approach to council-led enterprise and business support services whilst also focusing on supporting entrepreneurs and businesses across the region with tailored advice that meets their specific needs.
Dr Archibald said Go Succeed has had "an incredibly significant impact across the north" and that "the service has provided entrepreneurs and small businesses with tailored support and expert guidance, helping thousands of people to turn ideas into viable enterprises." She added that given the importance of Go Succeed, "it is critical that the British Government continues to fund the service through its Local Growth Fund."
As part of their statutory responsibility for business start-up, local councils play a key leadership role in the delivery of Go Succeed, continually improving and adapting the service to the changing needs of entrepreneurs and businesses. Earlier this year, the UK government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund announced a renewal of funding for Go Succeed until the end of March 2026. Go Succeed supports entrepreneurs, start-ups and existing businesses with easy-to-access advice and support, including extensive masterclasses, mentorship, peer networks, access to grant funding and business planning at every stage of their growth journey.
