Go Succeed and Young Enterprise NI launch initiative for NI’s next generation of business leaders

Launching the initiative at Northern Regional College’s new Ballymena campus, from left: Jane Hanna and Carol Fitzsimons MBE, Young Enterprise NI, Christine Barnhill, Mid & East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Jackson Minford, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Christine Brown and Joanne McCourt, Northern Regional College

A major new entrepreneurship scheme has been launched to equip thousands of young people across Northern Ireland with the skills, confidence and networks needed to become future business leaders.

The Future Founders programme, spearheaded by Go Succeed in partnership with Young Enterprise NI, will run from September 2025 to March 2026, engaging up to 3,900 students from all six further education colleges and across all 11 local councils.

Designed to spark creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial ambition, the initiative will provide a mix of entrepreneurship days, innovation camps, and hub-based mentoring with some of Northern Ireland’s leading entrepreneurs.

Launching the scheme at Northern Regional College’s new Ballymena campus, Councillor Jackson Minford, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, welcomed the initiative:

“Future Founders represents an important investment in the next generation of entrepreneurs and we are delighted to play our part in launching this exciting new initiative.

“By providing young people with the tools, networks and confidence to explore enterprise, we are building the foundations for a stronger, more innovative economy across the region.

“We believe entrepreneurship should be accessible to everyone, no matter your age, background or experience. Future Founders is about sparking ambition in young people, showing them that with the right support and mindset, they can turn ideas into opportunities.”

Global Entrepreneurship Week in November will see innovation camps rolled out across Northern Ireland, while an Entrepreneurship Hub will enable students to connect directly with experienced entrepreneurs, gaining inspiration and real-world advice.

Launching the initiative at Northern Regional College’s new Ballymena campus, from left: Jane Hanna, Young Enterprise NI, Councillor Jackson Minford, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Christine Barnhill, Mid & East Antrim Borough Council, Christine Brown and Joanne McCourt, Northern Regional College, and Carol Fitzsimons MBE, Young Enterprise NI

Carol Fitzsimons MBE, Chief Executive of Young Enterprise NI, said the programme would be about more than business creation:

“There is no doubt that the seeds that grow ideas and entrepreneurial enthusiasm into future businesses are often sown at a young age.

“Through Future Founders, we are pleased to join with Go Succeed to further expand our mission to reach and inspire young people across Northern Ireland.

“This programme is not just about creating future business owners, it’s about developing problem-solvers, innovators and leaders who will make a real difference in their communities and beyond.

“We are excited to inspire the next generation of innovators and help them take their first steps on an entrepreneurial journey.”

The new Ballymena campus of Northern Regional College, where the programme was launched, will play a central role in delivery.

Joanne McCourt, Principal Lecturer and Entrepreneurship Hub Manager for the FE Sector, said:

“We are delighted to host the launch of Future Founders at our new Ballymena campus. Our students, and those across the further education sector, will benefit enormously from this programme, gaining exposure to entrepreneurial thinking, new skills and invaluable connections with industry.

“Initiatives like this are essential to building aspiration and opportunity for young people across Northern Ireland.”

The scheme will be delivered across:

• Belfast Metropolitan College

• North West Regional College

• Northern Regional College

• South Eastern Regional College

• South West College

• Southern Regional College

By embedding entrepreneurial skills and ambition at an early stage, organisers hope the programme will strengthen Northern Ireland’s talent pipeline and boost its long-term economic resilience.