Retail start-up support
How to find the right financial and advisory support to start your retail business in Northern Ireland.
Sourcing good advice and the right financial support is crucial to getting started in retail. There are a number of different services available in Northern Ireland to help get your retail business off the ground.
Contact your local council for start a business support. See find your local council in Northern Ireland.
Your local enterprise agency will have a good understanding of the local retail market - find out about business support programmes in your local area run by Enterprise NI.
The My New Business Directory offers a wide range of start-up resources from a business start-up checklist to e-learning modules and video case studies. Get off to the right start by using the My New Business Directory.
Extra start-up help
If you run a start-up retail business as an entrepreneur, there may be extra help available for you if you are:
- a woman
- over 50
- disabled
- from a minority ethnic group
- a young entrepreneur
- on a low income
See start-up support - an overview.
If you are aged 18-30 and are unemployed or working part-time, you may be eligible for the King's Trust. You can access low interest loans, or possibly a grant, to start a business. Find more information on the financial support available through the King's Trust.
Go Succeed
Access free start-up business support through Go Succeed. Go Succeed is the go-to source for expert business advice led by Northern Ireland's eleven local councils.
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 Tel 0800 027 0639 to register for this free advice and guidance.
Finance support
You may be able to find finance to start a retail business from your bank. You will need a great business plan and be able to demonstrate a good track record or understanding of your market - see bank finance.
Search our Northern Ireland business support finder to see if your retail start-up is eligible for any other support schemes.
Training
You might be able to access training support to help you start out in retail - find out about Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) in retail and distribution.