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Derry council launches new enterprise support programme

Paddy Leonard, 27 Jan

A new programme aimed at establishing a more cohesive approach to

delivering employability support locally was launched this week by

Derry City and Strabane District Council.

The Enterprise Plus programme is led by the Derry and Strabane Labour

Market Partnership (DSLMP), and will be delivered as part of a

province-wide approach developed by the Department for Communities.

The programme aims to address issues with jobs and training by pooling

local resources and delivering a joined-up and flexible approach to

employability support.

DCSDC, along with the other 10 local authorities, has established a

local Labour Market Partnership and action plan tailored to meet the

needs of each individual council area. The Enterprise Plus programme is

a key element and will be delivered in partnership with Enterprise

North West and Strabane Enterprise Agency, drawing on their expertise

in delivering successful core enterprise development programmes.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane

District, Councillor Sandra Duffy, said it would provide much needed

support for new entrepreneurs and anyone keen to explore the

self-employment route. "I am delighted to see this additional

assistance being made available to anyone keen to get started in

business but unsure how to take those crucial first steps.

"We have been through some very turbulent times in terms of the local

economy and more than ever we need to share expertise and resources to

support our local business community.

"I am really pleased to see this joined up approach being taken across

all local Council areas led by the Department for Communities and I

would really encourage anyone considering enterprise development or

self-employment to find out what help is available through the

Enterprise Plus programme."

A key priority for the Derry and Strabane Labour Market Partnership is

improving employability outcomes and labour market conditions locally.

The Enterprise Plus Programme aims to assist local people who want to

start a business but face a number of barriers in progressing through

mainstream channels due to personal circumstances, as Labour Market

Partnership Manager with Council, Nicky Gilleece, explained.

"Enterprise Plus will assist with developing both entrepreneurial and

personal skills, as well as addressing structural and personal

barriers, building capacity, confidence and self-esteem.

"It will also help participants to explore business concepts, leading

to the development of business plans, testing of business ideas and

establishing new businesses. The programme will help bridge that gap

for individuals who may need some additional support to progress their

business ambitions."

A spokesperson for Enterprise North West said they were delighted to

work with Council on delivering the programme. "Enterprise North West

and our partner Strabane Enterprise Agency are delighted to be

delivering this much needed support to local aspiring entrepreneurs. In

our experience the combination of one-to-one specialist mentoring,

workshops and financial assistance offered by Enterprise Plus is the

best way to help new businesses get started."

To find out more about the Enterprise Plus programme and how you could

benefit, email info@ enterprisenw.com or phone 028 7135 2693