Regional Co-operative Support Programme

New programme launching to provide mentoring, peer learning and seed funding for co‑operatives in Northern Ireland

A new Regional Co-operative Support Programme is launching to support emerging and growing co-operatives across Northern Ireland.

Funded by the Department for the Economy and the Housing Executive, the programme is delivered in partnership by Co-operative Alternatives and Trademark.

The launch event will bring together local co‑operatives, delivery partners and funders, and will include contributions from co‑operatives sharing direct and honest experiences of operating within the co‑operative model.

What the programme offers

The programme is designed to provide structured, practical support that responds to the real challenges faced by co-operatives, including:

• practical mentoring tailored to co-operative needs
• peer learning opportunities with other co-operatives
• access to seed funding to support development and growth
• a flexible support structure that adapts as organisations progress

Who the programme is for

The Regional Co-operative Support Programme is open to organisations and groups at different stages of development, including:

• groups exploring the idea of forming a co-operative
• organisations in the process of establishing a co-operative structure
• existing co-operatives seeking to grow or develop further
• organisations considering conversion to a member-owned model

Event details

Date: Wednesday 20 May 2026
Time: 10am to noon
Venue: Blackmountain Shared Space, Belfast, BT13 3NG
Cost: free

Book a place at the Regional Co‑operative Support Programme launch.

First published 29 April 2026