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Starting Your Own Business

Starting a Business? We Can Help.

Congratulations on taking the first step towards starting your own business! Our experienced Business Support team at Derry City and Strabane District Council offer services and mentoring to support you to start a business. 

Go Succeed is the new go-to source for expert business advice led by Northern Irelands eleven local councils. Whether you are exploring a new idea or a budding entrepreneur just starting out, our team of industry experts will provide tailoured support and guidance to help you achieve your business goals.

  • You have a great business idea

Great start – You have an idea for a new business and need support to make it happen. We can help you explore your idea, test the concept, and develop it into a business proposal.  If you are confident that your business can provide something different or perform a service more efficiently then you have a solid concept and can start working on a detailed business plan.

  • Write your business plan

Every idea or business proposal needs a plan.  Business Planning is your next step to help you understand your market, competition, and personal and business finances.  You will need a business plan if you want to secure investment or a loan from a bank.  We can help, to support you in writing your Business Plan

  • Speak to us

Make an appointment to chat about your new business idea with a dedicated Business Advisor. We can help you with information about grant funding and support programmes currently available. Our team will also signpost to other relevant council departments and external support agencies. 

  • Preparing for your first meeting 

Now you have taken the first step, you can prepare for your meeting with My New Business - a guide through the important first stages of starting a business for NI entrepreneurs. Learn from other local entrepreneurs who spotted a gap in the market and transformed their idea into a business. 

  • Before you trade

Building an understanding of regulations and compliance is important when you are at the preparing to trade stage. Here are links to important resources Business Licensing and Permits, registrations for Hairdressers and Barbers, and Cosmetic Body Treatments and advice for Food Businesses.

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