Turn your idea into a business with Enterprise Pathways – applications open now!

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, is pictured with David McFaul, Dream Out Loud Entertainment NI, and Sean Keenan, Economic Development Officer MEABC.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has announced that its successful Enterprise Pathways Programme is now open for applications, offering unemployed residents the opportunity to transform their business ideas into reality.

Now in its fourth year, the programme is designed to support those furthest from the labour market by helping them create their own employment through self-employment.

Participants receive tailored advice and guidance over a period of up to six months, covering everything from developing enterprise skills to testing trade and launching a business.

Successful applicants will also have access to ‘Get Started’ funding of up to £750 to cover essential start-up costs. Each participant is matched with a dedicated Skills Coach or Business Mentor, benefitting from up to eight hours of one-to-one support to help achieve their goals.

Enterprise Pathways is funded through Go Succeed, Northern Ireland’s free enterprise support service delivered by all 11 councils and supported by the UK Government, as well as the Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership, which is funded by the Department for Communities.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, welcomed the new intake:

“Initiatives such as Enterprise Pathways are vitally important to tackling unemployment throughout Mid and East Antrim and help support the growth of the local economy.

“The Enterprise Pathways Programme is the perfect chance for people across the Borough to get the advice, support and guidance they need to kick start their new career and see it thrive.

“I would encourage anyone who feels this course would help launch their business idea to get in touch and sign-up.”

Success Story: Turning Passion into a Business

One previous participant, David McFaul from Larne, joined the programme to transform his passion for performance and cosplay into a sustainable business.

With a background in youth work and education, David launched Dream Out Loud Entertainment NI, a character entertainment company providing immersive superhero experiences for events, schools, parties, and corporate engagements.

Starting with limited resources, David accessed the ‘Get Started’ fund, which helped him invest in costumes, uniforms, a website, and professional marketing materials.

Reflecting on his journey, David said:

“The support from Enterprise Pathways helped turn my dream into something real.

“I now have a business that reflects who I am, and I’m doing work that lights up the faces of children, families and mine!

“The programme has been an incredible support system that has helped push me beyond what I thought was possible.”

Who Can Apply?

The programme prioritises applicants in greatest need of support, including people with disabilities, long-term health conditions, and those with caring responsibilities.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be unemployed residents of Mid and East Antrim with the right to work in the UK.

• Have the desire to start a business within the next six months, even without a fixed idea.

• Commit fully to the programme and the goal of self-employment.

How to Apply

Interested residents can apply by emailing venturefolk@gmail.com with the subject line ‘Enterprise Pathways Application’ or by contacting the team directly on 07725 944 915 for further details.