'100% of students stating they would recommend it': Applications open for Northern Ireland's only dedicated entrepreneurship programme for people with disabilities

Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald has encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs from across Northern Ireland to apply for the only customised entrepreneurship programme for people with disabilities available on the island of Ireland.

The Self Employment for Persons with Disabilities Programme, delivered by TU Dublin, is now open for applications and is entering its second year in Northern Ireland after a successful debut in 2025.

The initiative was introduced to Northern Ireland for the first time last year through a partnership between the Department for the Economy, Go Succeed and Disability Action.

The programme is designed to help break down barriers to business ownership by providing disabled people with the skills, confidence and support needed to develop their own enterprises.

Launching the latest intake, Dr Archibald said she was delighted to see the programme return following positive feedback from participants.

“I am delighted that, following a very successful first year of operating in the north, applications are now open for a second intake of this important programme,” she said.

“End of course feedback for this programme is incredibly positive, with 100% of students stating they would recommend it. It is the only customised entrepreneurship programme for people with disabilities available in Ireland, directly addressing the unique and often overlooked challenges that disabled entrepreneurs face on their journey to business ownership.”

The programme is open to disabled people, including those with visible, invisible, sensory, learning, mental health or neurodivergent conditions, who wish to start their own business. The programme is specifically designed for people at the early stages of developing a business idea. Lectures take place online every week for 12 weeks, running from September through to December. Participants also have the opportunity to receive an accredited award upon completion. Fully funded by AIB, the programme is free to all participants.

Applications are open now until July 17 2026. Successful applicants will be selected based solely on the quality of their business idea.

Thomas Cooney, course director added: "We have seen over five years what this programme does for people — it opens doors that many participants never believed were open to them.

"Launching here at Stormont in our second year of welcoming applicants from Northern Ireland sends a clear message: wherever you live on this island, and whatever barriers you face, your business idea deserves a chance."