The event, held at the Theatre at The Mill, provided one-to-one expert advice in a wide range of business areas and programmes, including:
- Access to Finance
- Innovation and accreditation
- Trade
- Labour Market Partnership
- Optimal Programme (business mentoring)
- Digital Surge (digital transformation)
- Competitions
A number of businesses from several sectors attended the free clinic and were able to sit down over a coffee and have in-depth chats with the experts from both the Council and Invest NI about their businesses specific needs and learn what support is available.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Alderman Stephen Ross said:
“The aim of this event was to help local businesses better understand what support is available to help them. From start-ups to well-established firms, the Council and our partners at Invest NI want to provide whatever assistance we can to allow them to grow and develop.
“This approach, coupled with our ongoing business engagement work currently being rolled out across the Borough, is helping us to grow our database and ensure we can engage with businesses efficiently and effectively going forward.”
Susan O'Kane, Regional Manager from Invest NI added:
“We were delighted to partner with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council on the business drop-in clinic to proactively offer Invest NI advice and services to businesses that are innovating and growing in the area.
“Our freephone business support line 0800 181 4422 is open to all businesses throughout Northern Ireland.”
One of the competitions showcased at the drop-in clinic was the ‘Ambition to Grow’ scheme being run by Invest NI, which is offering 40 of Northern Ireland’s most innovative and ambitious businesses the chance to secure financial support of up to £45,000.
The deadline for entries is Friday, November 25. SMEs can apply for the competition by visiting https://www.investni.com /ambition-to-grow