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Belfast Enterprise Academy

  • Launch a business idea

    Through this programme, degree level students can develop and launch their own business and benefit from:

    • generating, testing and refining your idea
    • learning from past students who have successfully started their own business
    • meeting the people who can help you make it happen
    • having a team of experts working with you
    • accessing financial support to become your own boss 

  • How to apply

    Applications for this programme are open. To apply, go to Belfast Enterprise Academy (link opens in new window).

    To be eligible, you must be a degree level student living in the Belfast City Council area and be serious about starting your own business.

    If you would like any more information on this programme, please email economicdevelopment@belfastcity.gov.uk

  • Belfast Enterprise Academy workshop schedule 2021-22

    Our workshops aim to increase your awareness of the topic and build skills.  Sessions typically run for one and a half to two hours and are interactive, whether online or face to face. 

    Time and Date

    Workshop Topic

    24 November

    2021

    4pm-5.30pm

    (virtual)

    Market Research – learn about the importance of market research, how to conduct appropriate market research, routes to market, testing your product or service and how to identify necessary market research and next steps. Find out about the wealth of information that exists and how to find and use it for your business.

    23 November 2021 12 noon

    Let’s Make it Legal – Andrew Kirke from Tughans will host this workshop focused on legal requirements for running a business. You’ll learn how to register as a self-employed person and what’s required; insurance requirements and options; legalities of liability; understanding intellectual property and how to protect your business. A really practical workshop with lots of tips on keeping yourself right and keeping your business protected.

    26 January 2022

    2pm -3.30pm (virtual)

    Idea Feasibility – you’ll explore the feasibility of your business idea and come up with a plan of action that will support the development of your service or product. This workshop will allow you to develop ideas through a process of analysis and evaluation to (a) select options for action and (b) reduce risk and forecast as accurately as possible the outcomes and impact of your selected options. 

    9 February 2022

    2pm-3.30pm

    (virtual)

    Business Support Clinic – this will outline the help and support available and introduce you to support providers such as Barclays Bank, Catalyst, Ignite, IntertradeIreland, Ormeau Business Park, Queen’s University, TechStartNI, Ulster Bank Accelerator, Tughans and Ulster University.

    23 February

    2pm-3.30pm

    (virtual)

    Finance Workshop – this practical workshop will introduce you to finance terminology and discuss financial tools such as cash flow, profit and loss and balance sheets. You’ll get a better understanding of your business costs, break even and the impact of changing costs and prices.

    9 March 2022

    2pm-3.30pm

    (virtual)

    Digital Marketing – you’ll learn how to promote your business through social media and digital marketing – the norms, tracking statistics, and the value of using different types of digital marketing. We’ll give practical support on using each channel and how to best engage with audiences.
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