If you are thinking about starting a business in Northern Ireland or would like to grow your existing business, we would love to help you.
Start Your Own Business in Northern Ireland contains resources and the information that will help give your venture the best chance of success. It also highlights organisations who offer friendly advice and the services that you are likely to need as a new startup or local business owner.
Grants | Networking groups | Business advice | Mentoring | Co-working spaces
Download the 2025 edition of our Free Start Your Own Business guide
An interactive step-by-step guide which also includes all of the most important subjects covered in an easy-to-read way with links to useful online articles and relevant contacts.
The idea of starting your own business can be incredibly exciting and who can blame you for being tempted?
However, the sad truth is that far too many new enterprises fail in the early stages. Our aim is to make sure that you don't become one of them.
This guide explains the key start-up subjects in simple English.
There is also plenty of help available in the area and much of it is free - please do make the most of it.
We have been working with start-ups in Northern Ireland for the past 20 years and while it is true that the economy has changed dramatically during that time, many of the key considerations have remained the same. The sad truth is that too many new businesses fail in the early stages and our hope is that we can play in a small part in reducing that number and help you avoid some of the most common pitfalls.
Find local help including business support organisations, local business networking groups and grants which are available in your area.
This web page is designed to provide you with all the essential information, valuable resources, and local support networks you need to embark on your entrepreneurial journey successfully. Whether you have a groundbreaking idea, a unique skill set, or an unquenchable entrepreneurial spirit, Northern Ireland offers a wealth of opportunities and a thriving business ecosystem to help you turn your dreams into reality.
Northern Ireland, a region of the United Kingdom, is a land of rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. With a population of approximately 1.9 million people, Northern Ireland offers a dynamic market with diverse consumer needs and a supportive business environment. The entrepreneurial spirit runs deep in the region, and the government has implemented various initiatives to encourage and foster a culture of innovation and enterprise.
Demographically, Northern Ireland boasts a highly educated workforce, with a significant percentage of the population holding degrees or equivalent qualifications. The region's skilled labor pool offers a competitive advantage, providing businesses with access to a talented and motivated workforce. Furthermore, the cost of living and doing business in Northern Ireland is comparatively lower than many other regions in the UK, making it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs looking to start or expand their ventures.
To support entrepreneurs, Northern Ireland is home to several organisations and institutions dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship, providing mentorship, guidance, and funding opportunities. These local organisations play a pivotal role in nurturing the startup ecosystem and empowering aspiring entrepreneurs to succeed. Here are some key organisations that can provide assistance:
As the region's economic development agency, Invest NI offers a wide range of support services for businesses. They provide financial assistance, market research, and guidance on accessing international markets. Visit their website at www.investni.com to explore the resources available.
This organisation is committed to supporting entrepreneurs by providing expert advice, training, and support. They offer assistance in areas such as business planning, marketing strategies, and access to finance. Their website, www.enterpriseni.com, offers valuable resources and information for starting and growing a business.
As Northern Ireland's leading science park, Catalyst Inc offers workspace, mentoring, and business support to high-growth potential startups. Their programs and initiatives are designed to nurture innovation and facilitate business growth. Find out more on their website at www.catalyst-inc.org.
This influential business organisation provides networking opportunities, advocacy, and support for businesses of all sises. They offer valuable resources, events, and connections to help businesses thrive. Explore their website at www.northernirelandchamber.com to learn more.
For entrepreneurs in need of accessible finance, the Northern Ireland Small Business Loan Fund provides funding and support to small and medium-sised enterprises (SMEs) across various sectors. Their website, www.nisblf.com, offers more information on how to access their financial assistance.
By leveraging the resources and expertise of these organisations, you can gain valuable insights, access funding opportunities, and connect with like-minded individuals to propel your business forward.
Whether you are interested in technology startups, retail ventures, or service-based enterprises, Northern Ireland offers a supportive ecosystem that embraces innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurship. The purpose of this web page is to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the exciting journey of starting a business in Northern Ireland. From planning and funding to marketing and growth strategies, we aim to provide comprehensive guidance that will empower you to build a successful and sustainable business.
So, what are you waiting for? Explore the wealth of resources and opportunities available to you, and take the first steps towards realising your entrepreneurial aspirations in Northern Ireland!
If so, your logo, company details and link to your site could be here!
If you are based in in Northern Ireland or offer a product or service which could help existing local businesses and start-ups, we would love you to help you reach them. Our aim is to increase the chances of every new business's success by highlighting the help that is available in the area.
You are able to add a free listing or act as our recommended local partner for only £10 per year!
We are happy to promote anyone who is prepared to offer friendly support to local start-ups.
Our local partners have been kind enough to help us and are keen to help you too.
Getting it right from the start can help to prevent problems later.
To help you with this we have created a vast selection of resources and they are all completely free!
There is plenty of help for startups in Northern Ireland but where can it be found?
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You don't know what you don't know!
The prospect of starting a new business can be incredibly exciting but should be approached with care. You have probably heard scary stories about how many start-ups fail in the early stages. You can make sure that you are not one of them by learning as much as possible before you launch. Over the years, we have collected lots of articles which will show you what has worked well for other start-ups and the putfalls to avoid.
'You don't know what you don't know' is a phrase that is so applicable to starting a new business.
Northern Ireland is a great place for start-ups but your chances of success are dramatically improved if you make the most of the support that is available locally. Click on logos to visit their websites.
Advice
Networking
Networking
Advice
Advice
100's of free startup articles
We have created a collection of 100s of startup articles to help anyone with whatever stage they are on with their business journey. Hundreds of thousands of people have gone before you and we can learn from what they got right and avoid the things that have been proved not to work so well.
You can see the full list of 'articles' at: How to start a business
Being self-employed or running a business does not suit everyone.
Will my business idea work? That is the million dollar question!
Finding where to start is sometimes the hardest part.
So you’ve got an idea, it seems foolproof.
Options if you need to raise money to start your business.
How to find, win, and keep paying customers - the key to business success!
How to make the most of the web. Websites, SEO, and Social Media.
Learn from and avoid the pitfalls that other start-ups have encountered.
All of our useful FREE resources for new business start-ups in one place.
This FREE start-up pack contains everything that you need to get you started.
Our FREE downloadable guides are packed with the information that you need to start and grow a your business.
