Support for setting up and running a 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) 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.