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ask Mentor Programme

Helping local businesses and social enterprises overcome challenges, recognise opportunity, and achieve growth with free, one-to-one mentoring from experienced professionals.

Ask Programme - Free Business Mentoring and Capital Grants

The Ask programme supports local businesses and social enterprises across the borough with up to ten hours of free one-to-one mentoring in more than 20 specialist areas - including Digital Transformation, Robotics, Big Data, Immersive Tech (AR/VR), Innovation, Product Development, Marketing, Finance, Public Procurement.

Our mentors help you overcome challenges, embrace innovation, develop new skills, improve efficiency, and access funding opportunities.

After completing your mentoring sessions, you may be eligible to apply for an Ask capital grant of up to £1,500 (80% funded) to help implement your mentor’s recommendations.

Testimonials

Recent Ask participants have praised the programme:

“An excellent well-delivered programme and mentoring, suitable for companies of all sizes.” - Manufacturer, Antrim
“Ten out of ten! Very efficient mentoring to help achieve a goal within a tight deadline.” - Engineering Firm, Antrim
“A practical scheme that assists small businesses with expertise outside of current capability. We’d welcome similar business support.” - Fashion Apparel Wholesaler, Newtownabbey
“We found it to be helpful, having a specialist to explore various aspects of our business which assisted in us rethinking the way we do things.” - Retail Outlet, Glengormley
“The ask program helped me to feel at ease at each stage of the program so far which was very important to us as we have never owned or opened a business before.” - Event Hospitality, Randalstown
“As volunteers we valued the guidance, mentoring, and support we receive from Ask, this is helping us fulfil the many responsibilities required to sustain our Community Interest Company.” - Community & Performing Arts, Newtownabbey
“One of the best mentors I've ever worked with! Introduced us to tendering processes and helped me create a sales process.” - Wellness Services, Antrim
“Very knowledgeable and was instrumental in assisting us achieve our goals.” - Construction Materials, Newtownabbey

Mentoring Categories and Specialisms

The ASK Mentor Programme offers expert support across a wide range of business needs, organised into five easy-to-navigate categories to help you quickly find the right expertise for your goals.

Advanced Digital Technologies

Digital Infrastructure and Strategy

Innovation and Product Development

Business Strategy and Planning

Specialism	Advising On
Business Planning	Strategic guidance for developing comprehensive business plans, assessing health checks, and crafting strategic initiatives.
Workforce Development / Training Needs Analysis	Identifying current and future skills needs within the organisation, including in areas of digital and AI transition.
Change Management	Support managing cultural, structural, and operational change during business transformation or redirection.
Investment Readiness	Preparing businesses for equity and debt investment, including pitching, financial modelling, managing investor relations, and employee ownership modelling.
Finance	Expertise in managing business finances, from planning and management to cash flow and pricing strategies.
Growth Readiness	Supporting businesses/asset owners with physical expansion, relocation, or development plans, including navigating planning/building control processes.
Technical Assistance	Support in preparing business cases, feasibility assessments, or technical designs to underpin funding bids or planning applications.
Market Research	Assistance in conducting market research and analysis to inform business strategies and market entry.
Public Procurement	Support on procurement procedures; terminology, preparing a bid, using the tender portals, and accessing procurement opportunities
Sustainability & ESG	Supporting businesses in developing sustainability or ESG strategies, with a focus on integration into wider supply chains where such plans are increasingly required.
Social Enterprise	Assistance in setting up, managing, and funding social enterprises, including governance and management.
Legal	Guidance on various legal aspects of running a business, including but not limited to HR, patents, contracts, regulatory compliance, and commodity codes.

Sales and Marketing

Useful Contacts

Ask Programme Team

Tel: 028 9034 0091

Email Ask Programme Team

Specialism	Advising On
Smart Technologies and IoT	Implementation and optimisation of smart technologies and IoT solutions for enhanced operational efficiency.
Process Automation and Robotics	Guidance on automating processes through robotics and cobotics, including additive manufacturing.
Big Data and Analytics	Leveraging big data for strategic insights, improving decision-making and operational efficiency.
Immersive Tech (AR/VR)	Application of AR, VR, MR, and Haptics for training, product development, and customer engagement.
AI / Machine Learning	Integrating AI and ML into business processes for automation, innovation, and competitive advantage.

Specialism	Advising On
Digital Transformation Strategy	Developing comprehensive strategies that encompass the adoption of advanced digital technologies.
Cybersecurity and Data Protection	Ensuring the security and integrity of digital operations and compliance with data protection laws.
IT	Support in IT systems management, including website design and development, and IT procedures.
Process/Systems	Advice on optimising business processes and systems for efficiency and effectiveness.

Business Name:
Contact Name:
Business Address:
Business Postcode:
Position in Business:
Email:
Phone:
Mobile:
Can you confirm you are a REGISTERED Micro or SME Business actively trading in the Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough area?:	Yes No
Evidence of the same? :	HMRC Self-Assessment Number Companies House Registration Other
If Other, Please Specify:
Trading Status:	Limited Company (Ltd) Sole Trader Other If Other, Please Specify Below

Description of main business activities including products/ services:
Business Size:	Micro (1 - 9 Employees) Small (10 - 49 Employees) Medium (50 - 249 Employees) Large (250+ Employees)
VAT Registered:	Yes No
Business Sector:
If Other, Please Specify:
Specialist Category (Select a maximum of 2 options):	Advanced Digital Technologies Digital Infrastructure and Strategy Innovation and Product Development Business Strategy and Planning Sales and Marketing Please select a maximum of two specialisms. Any more may result in a delay in your application process.
If Other, Please Specify:
How Do you Envisage Mentoring Supporting Your Business?:
Please Outline all Other Support Your Business is Currently Receiving e.g. Business Support Programmes, Grant Support, Mentoring etc:
Have you previously received ask support?:	Yes No
I Consent:	By submitting this registration form, you are consenting to registration in the Council’s online business directory and will receive email correspondence regarding the ask Programme, other Council-led programmes, events, and news. We may share your details with ask mentors as part of the programme to provide you with the necessary support and services. We will not share your details with any other third parties without your explicit consent.
Security code:

Specialism	Advising On
Innovation	Facilitating the use of new technologies in business growth, innovation and product development.
Project Management for Digital Innovation	Expert management of projects involving advanced digital technologies to ensure successful implementation.

Specialism	Advising On
Marketing & Sales	Support in developing and implementing effective marketing and sales strategies, including digital and social media marketing.

ask Mentor Programme

Ask Programme - Free Business Mentoring and Capital Grants

Testimonials

Mentoring Categories and Specialisms

Apply Now

Useful Contacts