AQW 19104/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 02/12/2024
Answered On Date: 17/12/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any consideration he has given to the development of a small businesses and micro-businesses strategy.

Answer:

Support for small and micro businesses is already provided within existing strategies and programmes.

A major source of support is the council led Go Succeed Service that provides masterclasses and funding for those seeking to start or grow their own businesses.

Invest NI offer a range of supports, including Ambition to Grow, Innovation Vouchers, Founder Labs, Business Innovation Grant and the Cluster Acceleration Programme. Support available through InterTradeIreland includes the Acumen Programme, Innovation Boost, Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme, and the Business Explorer Programme amongst others.

Our Universities support the creation and growth of new businesses through programmes such as InnovateHer and Enactus through Queens University, and the Explore Enterprise Course and Enterprise Placement Year through Ulster University.

The Further Education Colleges provide support through their Entrepreneurship Hub and their Entrepreneurship Club. The colleges, in partnership with my Department, also deliver the SME Productivity Booster, equipping businesses to innovate, grow, and create jobs.

In summary, there is an extensive range of support available to micro and small businesses, and I would recommend that anyone interested in learning more, should visit nibusinessinfo.co.uk in the first instance.