Northern Ireland’s free business support service, Go Succeed, has been instrumental in launching approximately 2,500 new businesses and generating over 3,500 jobs in the past two years. These significant figures were highlighted at a recent event in Parliament Buildings, underscoring the region’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and the crucial role of dedicated support.
Key Takeaways
- Go Succeed has directly contributed to one in every ten new Northern Ireland start-ups in just 24 months.
- The service has awarded over £6.3 million in grants to help businesses scale and invest in technology.
- Nearly 113,300 hours of one-to-one mentorship have been provided to local businesses.
A Catalyst for Growth
The impressive statistics were revealed by Go Succeed, a service funded by the UK Government and all 11 local councils, during a special event to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week. Since its inception in November 2023, the initiative has seen 2,477 new enterprises established, leading to the creation of 3,560 new jobs.
Go Succeed’s mission extends beyond just start-ups; it aims to foster entrepreneurship and assist established businesses in becoming more competitive, innovative, and resilient. The service, delivered through all Northern Ireland councils, offers a comprehensive suite of support for businesses at every stage of their development.
Investment and Upskilling
Beyond job creation, Go Succeed has actively invested in the region’s business potential. A total of 2,051 grants, amounting to over £6.3 million, have been awarded. These grants empower entrepreneurs and businesses to expand their operations, adopt new technologies, and enhance efficiency and growth.
Furthermore, the service has prioritised upskilling the local workforce, delivering 960 masterclasses across every council area. This is complemented by an extensive 113,300 hours of free one-to-one mentorship provided to a diverse range of local businesses.
Ministerial Endorsement and Future Funding
Economy Minister Dr. Caoimhe Archibald, speaking at the event, emphasised the critical importance of Go Succeed in driving the region’s future economic growth and prosperity. She noted that the service provides tailored support and expert guidance, enabling individuals to transform innovative ideas into successful enterprises.
"Given the importance of Go Succeed it is critical that the British Government continues to fund the service through its Local Growth Fund," stated Dr. Archibald. Earlier this year, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund confirmed its continued funding for Go Succeed until March 2026.
Marie Ward, Chief Executive of Newry, Mourne, and Down District Council, speaking on behalf of Go Succeed, highlighted the collaborative effort involved. "Go Succeed has brought together all council authorities, alongside our delivery partners and the wider business and entrepreneurial ecosystem in an incredible collaborative effort to drive business growth in this region," she said. She added that the success is evident in both the numbers and the individual success stories, contributing to a stronger Northern Ireland economy from the ground up.
Go Succeed offers accessible advice and support, including masterclasses, mentorship, peer networks, grant funding, and business planning. Participants also benefit from a members’ area with business templates and tutorials, as well as a business benchmarking tool for self-assessment.
Sources
- Go Succeed Powers Up 2,500 New Businesses And Over 3,500 New Jobs, Business Eye Magazine.
