Choose the right structure for your social enterprise

As well as the mainstream support available to all business start-ups there are some initiatives and organisations designed for social entrepreneurs:

• Social Enterprise NI is a central meeting point for social enterprises in Northern Ireland. It provides a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing. You can also keep track of the latest events and news relating to social enterprises.
• Free advice and loans are available from Community Finance Ireland.
• The Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) provides good practice guidance for charities and community organisations. They offer specialist knowledge and expertise in charity law and governance.
• Co-operative Alternatives provides support for co-operatives and community benefit societies in Northern Ireland.

Free business start-up support

Access free start-up business support from your local council. If you have a great idea but you're not sure how to turn it into a business, or you have already started out in business and require mentorship on your next steps, Go Succeed Start experts will help you to create a business plan, seek funding and put all the foundations in place to get your business up and running.

Complete a short enquiry form or call 0800 027 0639 to register for this free advice and guidance.

If you are considering starting up a new business, you need to consider a number of factors to ensure the best chance of success - see step-by-step guide to starting a business.

Northern Ireland business support finder

The Northern Ireland business support finder is a searchable database that can help you find publicly-funded and not-for-profit sources of business growth assistance you may be eligible to apply for. Support may be available in a number of forms, including financial assistance and free or subsidised advice services.