Minister urges disabled entrepreneurs to seize fully funded business start-up opportunity

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald is pictured with George Healy (Go Succeed, Belfast City Council), Prof Thomas Cooney (Technological University Dublin), and Marty McLaughlin (Disability Action) to launch this year’s programme.

People with disabilities across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to turn their business ideas into reality through a specialist entrepreneurship programme that is now open for applications for a second year.

The Self Employment for Persons with Disabilities Programme, the only customised entrepreneurship programme of its kind available on the island of Ireland, is seeking applicants for its latest intake, with places available for aspiring entrepreneurs who are at the early stages of developing a business concept.

Following its introduction in Northern Ireland for the first time in 2025, the programme is returning after what organisers described as a highly successful first year, offering participants practical business support, training and the opportunity to gain an accredited qualification.

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has encouraged people to apply, highlighting the programme’s role in helping to break down barriers that can prevent disabled people from pursuing business ownership.

Programme returns after successful first year

The initiative is hosted and delivered by Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) and became available in Northern Ireland through a partnership involving the Department for the Economy, Go Succeed and Disability Action.

Designed specifically for disabled people who want to start their own business, the programme aims to equip participants with the skills, confidence and support needed to develop an idea into a viable enterprise.

The course is open to people with a wide range of conditions, including visible and invisible disabilities, sensory impairments, learning disabilities, mental health conditions and neurodivergent conditions.

Dr Archibald said she was pleased to see the programme returning for a second year following positive feedback from participants.

She said:

“I am delighted that, following a very successful first year of operating in the north, applications are now open for a second intake of this important programme.

“End of course feedback for this programme is incredibly positive, with 100% of students stating they would recommend it. It is the only customised entrepreneurship programme for people with disabilities available in Ireland, directly addressing the unique and often overlooked challenges that disabled entrepreneurs face on their journey to business ownership.”

Online learning and accredited qualification

Lectures will be delivered online each week over a 12-week period from September through to December, making the programme accessible to participants across Northern Ireland and beyond.

In addition to business development support, participants will have the opportunity to achieve an accredited award on successful completion of the course.

The programme is fully funded by AIB, meaning there is no cost to successful applicants.

Organisers say the initiative is specifically tailored for individuals who may have faced barriers to entering traditional business support pathways and aims to ensure that entrepreneurship is accessible to a wider range of people.

Applications open until July deadline

Applications are now open and will remain available until 17 July 2026.

Successful candidates will be selected solely on the strength and quality of their business idea.

Course Director Thomas Cooney said the programme had already demonstrated its ability to help participants realise ambitions they previously believed were out of reach.

He said:

“We have seen over five years what this programme does for people — it opens doors that many participants never believed were open to them.

“Launching here at Stormont in our second year of welcoming applicants from Northern Ireland sends a clear message: wherever you live on this island, and whatever barriers you face, your business idea deserves a chance.”

Opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs across Northern Ireland

The programme’s return offers another opportunity for disabled people across Northern Ireland to access specialist support, develop entrepreneurial skills and explore self-employment as a realistic career pathway.

With applications now open, organisers are encouraging anyone with a strong business idea to consider taking part before the July deadline.