Fermanagh and Omagh business support
How to make a success of doing business in the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is located in the south west of Northern Ireland. The area has modern infrastructure, a thriving tourism economy, and has direct road access to the European Union, which makes it attractive for new or growing businesses.
The main urban centres in the council area are:
- Enniskillen
- Omagh
This guide is for businesses who are thinking about starting up or expanding in the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area. It includes an economic profile of the area and details of business advice and support.
Free business support
Access free business support from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. If you're a budding entrepreneur just starting out, are looking to grow your business, or are planning to scale up, industry experts will provide tailored support and guidance to help you achieve your business goals.
Complete a short enquiry form or call 0800 027 0639 to register for this free support service.
How to start your business in Fermanagh and Omagh
Start-up support for entrepreneurs in the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area
If you are considering starting a business, you can get free start-up support from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.
Go Succeed Start
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, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council's 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.
This support is available to anyone interested in starting a business. Complete a short enquiry form or call 0800 027 0639 to register for free advice and guidance from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.
My New Business
My New Business is a free online service that covers everything you need to start, plan and run a business. It has checklists, videos, tools, tutorials and case studies to help you get your business started - find out more about My New Business.
Get a business licence
You may need a licence to operate certain types of business in Fermanagh and Omagh. Find more information on how to apply for business licences on the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.
Business growth support in Fermanagh and Omagh
Council and local organisation support and opportunities to grow your business in the Fermanagh and Omagh area
There are several organisations in Fermanagh and Omagh which offer support to help you grow your business.
Growth and support schemes for established businesses
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council runs support programmes for business growth and development. Current programmes include:
Employer-led Disability Programme
Opportunity for employers to increase their knowledge and understanding of the barriers that those with a disability and/or long term health condition may experience when seeking employment - find out more about the Employer-led Disability Programme.
Go Succeed - Grow and Scale
Support is available if your business is already established and is now ready to expand, but growth is slow and you're not sure how to progress. Or if your business is ready to go to the next level locally and internationally but you need guidance, support or resources to achieve your ambitions. Business advisors will provide tailored support to help your business achieve its ambitions - find out more about Go Succeed support for existing businesses.
Social Enterprise Bootcamp
Bespoke mentoring and exclusive workshops to help enhance the skills of social enterprises which are actively trading with ambitions to grow - find out more about the Social Enterprise Bootcamp.
Social Enterprise Thematic Programme
Support for social enterprises to elevate their skills through one-on-one mentoring and online workshops, focusing on fundraising, digital marketing, and social impact planning - find out more about the Social Enterprise Thematic Programme.
Local enterprise agencies
Enterprise Northern Ireland agencies provide business improvement programmes, financing, events, workspace and meeting space. There are two local enterprise agencies in Fermanagh and Omagh District Council:
Tender for council contracts
You can seek tender opportunities as a way to grow your business in Fermanagh and Omagh. The council offers public tenders throughout the year in a wide range of business areas.
Find out more on tendering for Fermanagh and Omagh District Council contracts.
Invest Northern Ireland support for business
Invest NI can help your business compete successfully and function more efficiently by providing support across a variety of areas.
Find out more about Invest NI support for business.
Business events
Many organisations run business focused events in Fermanagh and Omagh, across a range of topics to help you develop your business.
Advantages of doing business in Fermanagh and Omagh
The business environment, infrastructure and benefits of setting up a business in the Fermanagh and Omagh area
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is an excellent location for doing business.
Local infrastructure
Fermanagh and Omagh businesses benefit from direct access to markets across the world.
There are strong road links to Belfast, the port in Derry City and cross-border into the European Union - find out more about cross-border trade support with InterTradeIreland.
Local workforce and business supply chains
There are around 116,994 residents in Fermanagh and Omagh.
There are 8,575 businesses operating in Fermanagh and Omagh, which is 11% of all businesses in Northern Ireland. The majority of the base is micro and small businesses:
- 94% micro (0-9 employees)
- 5% small (10-49 employees)
- 1% medium (50-249 employees)
- 0.1% large (250+ employees)
Some major business investors in the council area include Crust and Crumb, Balcas, Terex and Naturelle Consumer Products. Agriculture businesses make up the largest sector in Fermanagh and Omagh:
- 45% agriculture
- 36% services
- 14% construction
- 6% manufacturing
You can download an Invest NI council briefing on Fermanagh and Omagh (PDF, 3.37MB).