Start A Business Programme

We can help you get started and Go For It! East Belfast Enterprise is the local delivery agent for the Start A Business Programme funded by Invest NI, within East Belfast. If you are thinking of setting up in business, this is your best starting point. Under the Start A Business Programme you will receive the following help and assistance:

• Access to a local Business Advisor who can discuss your idea with you and point you in the right direction, within a confidential one-to-one setting.
• Access to a FREE training course, which will cover all the relevant areas you need to address and understand, before starting in business.
• A financial planning service that will help you decide how much money you will need to start the business and to explore all the potential sources of funding available.
• Access to GRANT SUPPORT and small business loans available under the programme.

Contact us now to arrange an appointment with one of our business advisors by calling 02890 455 450 or email info@eastbelfast.org. Full details for the above programme can be obtained from www.sabp.co.uk.

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  Women's 1-2-1 Mentoring Programme

The Women's 1-2-1 Programme is a business support mentoriing system provided "by women in business for women in business". This is based on the success of a similar model in Sweden and Finland. East Belfast Enterprise will manage and deliver the programme over a two year period. It involves the following processes:

Creating the perfect match - From a pool of mentors and mentees; 30 mastches will be set up based on business needs, mentor skills and personalities. Business Assessments - Each Mentor and Mentee will have an individual business assessment. Mentors and Mentees meet regularly over a 12 month period A number of networking events will take place throughout the programme

What is a Mentor?

A mentor is a person who will provide sound support, direction and coaching. In this case it is a woman who will motivate, challenge, guide and direct women at the early stage of business to achieve their goals and grow their business and contacts to do this.

How to become a Volunteer Mentor: You should be in business more than two years You may have a range of skills or one specialism which another woman can learn from You may have a senior management position in a business or be a business owner You will commit to meeting your mentee at least once per month over a 12 month period

Where do I find out more?

If you are interested in becoming a Mentee or would like to give something back as a Mentor please contact Marian O'Rourke on 028 9045 5450 or email marian@eastbelfast.org

This project is supported by The European Social Fund and Building Sustainable Prosperity Programme and Invest NI

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   Lipstick & Money Programme

The Lipstick & Money programme is a new and exciting initiative for women that offers a menu of activities to choose from, which will be offered at your local community centre.

Group Sessions for the Lipstick & Money Programme include:

• Because I am worth it
• Back to the future
• A few quid better off?
• Whose idea is it anyway?
• How to make money at things you enjoy!
• More on making money!

This programme will provide motivated females with the tools and confidence to help them focus towards starting out as self employed, doing what they want, when they want!

Where do I find out more?

Contact Kenny at East Belfast Enterprise to find out more information on 028 90455 450, or email kenny@eastbelfast.org

New Deal Self-Employment

Are you unemployed and looking for the opportunity to start your own business? If you have a good business idea, why not contact your Personal Advisor at your Local Job Centre, to see if you are eligible to go on the New Deal Self Employment pathway.

As a provider, East Belfast Enterprise, will help you explore your business idea on the Start A Business Programme and then begin a period of Test Trading, where you get to retain your benefits while the business is given time to build. Think it might be of interest? Then call Karen on 90 455 450 for more information, or email karen@eastbelfast.org.

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Learn 2 Earn Programme

• Do you have, or are you interested in having, your own business?
• Do you like to catering or working with people?
• Ae you attracted to, or involved in, the catering or hospitality industry?

Learn 2 Earn is a programme aimed at women who are considering self-employment in the catering and hospitality industry.

The original Phase 1 level of this programme offered classes two mornings per week. The programme included accredited sector skills training in Food Service and Food Preparation. Qualifications in Food Hygiene, Manual Handling, Health and Safety and Customer Care were provided along with Enterprise and Personal Development training

This proved popular, but a second group was identified, who had more advanced skills or who were working during the day and unable to attend. A Phase 2 programme has therefore been created. This offers two evening classes per week until June 2007. The programme includes Masterclasses, in such diverse areas as sugar craft, chutneys and wine appreciation. Advanced classes in Personal Development and Enterprise are also provided with input from successful caterers and hoteliers. Training is provided by the Labour Relations and Inland Revenue staff, helping to hire, manage and pay your staff

Who is Eligible?

• Females only
• You must be motivated and committed
• You must have an interest in starting your own business
• Your dream business must be in a catering or hospitality area

This programme will provide motivated females with the tools to help them make a success of their business dream.

Where do I find out more?

Contact Kelly at East Belfast Enterprise to find out more information on 028 90455 450, or email kelly@eastbelfast.org

This project is supported by The European Social Fund and Building Sustainable Prosperity Programme and Invest NI

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   Think...Business Improvement

Think is the BRAND NEW commercial arm of East Belfast Enterprise. The Business Advisors at East Belfast Enterprise are well aware that not every client will benefit from attending a specific Programme and sometimes business need problems, need bespoke solutions.

The aim of Think is to make your business more profitable, help you save more money, increase your customers and help you become a recongised 'player' within your markerplace. If your business has limited time and needs quick, sharp and effective solutions...Think can help. Our experienced business team that have helped 100s of businesses over the last 7 years can help solve problems relating to:

• Staffing Issues
• Effecient Operations for your business
• Your IT infrastructure
• Recruiting and Motivating Staff
• Invoicing & Receiving Payments...promptly!
• Selling Practices that affect the bottom line
• Make your business stand out from the crowd
• Gaining new customers and maintaining regular customers

The team at Think will work closely with senior management within your business over a six month period to help you achieve your goals. To help improve your business, Think will initially carry out a business audit of your business, then agree an action plan for improvement....followed up with monthly mentoring to help you succeed!

Where do I find out more?

Contact Kenny at East Belfast Enterprise to find out more information on 028 90455 450, or email kenny@eastbelfast.org

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