Business support for local entrepreneurs at Enterprise Week

The Business Support Fair event is part of Enterprise Week, which will take place from Monday, March 2 to Friday 6, and will consist of a series of activities, workshops and seminars in various locations throughout the region.

The Employer Advisers in the Foyle, Strabane and Lisnagelvin Jobs & Benefits Offices will be holding information events in their local offices aimed at individuals who are interested in becoming self-employed as well as small local businesses who may wish to find out more about what services are available to them.

Foyle Jobs & Benefits Office will be holding their event on Tuesday, March 3 from 12pm-2pm.

Strabane Jobs & Benefits Office will be holding their event on Wednesday, March 4 from 12pm-2pm, and Lisnagelvin will be holding their event on Thursday, March 5 from 12pm-2pm.

The format will be a jobs fair approach, with each organisation involved having an informal discussion about the services they provide.

This is a great opportunity to find out more about the services and support available locally, including the Go For It Programme, Business Innovation, EURES, Employers Online and Apprenticeships.

There will also be representation from other local provision organisations, such as Prince’s Trust, who have their own Enterprise programme aimed at 18-30 year olds with a business idea.

Tara Nicholas, Council Business Officer, encouraged anyone interested to get involved in the Fair.

“Launching a new business or trying to grow your existing small business can be a daunting task for anyone.

“Council, in partnership with the Jobs and Benefits Office, are delighted to offer this opportunity for passionate entrepreneurs and business owners to find out more about the support that’s available to them, and to offer any advice they need.

Tara continued: “Whether you want to come in for five minutes or stay for two hours, we’re here to help with whatever you need.

“Services like the Go For It Programme have already brought huge success to local businesses in our District, and we want to use this Business Support Fair as an opportunity to help others emulate those successes.”

Ashley Russell-Cowan, Head of Employer Services Branch with the Department for Communities, added: “Our Jobs & Benefits offices are pleased to work in collaboration with Derry City & Strabane District Council during Enterprise Week and we are delighted to host the Business Support Fairs in our local offices.

“Employer Advisers and Work Coaches will be available during these events to advise on the services and financial support our teams can offer to anyone running a small business or considering a new business venture. They will also be able to provide information on the JobcentreOnline.com website and the bespoke recruitment support available for employers.

Ashley continued: “Representatives from the European Employment Service (EURES) will also be in attendance to provide assistance and advice on cross border recruitment and the European jobs portal. We very much look forward to showcasing all the help and support we can offer you and your business.”

For full details of the Enterprise Week programme visit www.derrystrabane.com/enterpriseweek. You can also access the full EW2020 programme and registration via the What’s On Derry Strabane app from Google Play & Apple App stores. Keep up to date on social media by following @Business Support Derry Strabane on Facebook, @dcscbusiness on Twitter and using the hashtag #EW2020.