Ballymena Business Centre to inject £300k into local economy

The Ballymena economy is to get an injection of £300,000 over the next three years as Ballymena Business Centre, with the support of an £183k award from The Gallaher Trust, is hosts a series of initiatives in a bid to champion the growth of local start-up companies in the area.
Ballymena Business Centre CEO Melanie Christie Boyle pictured with Pat McCallion, a trustee of The Gallaher TrustBallymena Business Centre CEO Melanie Christie Boyle pictured with Pat McCallion, a trustee of The Gallaher Trust
Ballymena Business Centre CEO Melanie Christie Boyle pictured with Pat McCallion, a trustee of The Gallaher Trust

As a result of the funding from The Gallaher Trust, Ballymena Business Centre’s first initiative takes the form of ‘Global Entrepreneurship Week Ballymena 2018’ which will run from Monday 12th until Saturday 17th November 2018.

A week-long exhibition based in Fairhill Shopping Centre during Global Entrepreneurship Week will showcase inspiring business start-ups and business support organisations offering advice and guidance in a bid to open the field of opportunities and turn perspective business ideas into successful companies.

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“We are very thankful to The Gallaher Trust for their investment and support, the company has made a significant contribution to the wider Ballymena economy and I am thrilled that the Ballymena Business Centre is a part of it,” said chief executive Melanie Christie Boyle.

“This investment, alongside our series of planned events, will go a long way in encouraging further growth in the community, empowering the public and providing a platform to put their business ideas into action, kickstarting with Global Entrepreneurship Week.”

The Gallaher Trust was set up following the closure of JTI. In response to the closure, JTI donated a £5m legacy to help support the local community.

“This series of initiatives is exactly why The Gallaher Trust was set up, to support job creation in the local area,” said trustee Pat McCallion.

“We are delighted to be involved in these exciting initiatives over the next three years.”