Belfast business support

If you are considering starting a business, you can get free start-up support from Belfast City Council.

Go Succeed Start

If you have a great idea but you're not sure how to turn it into a business, or you have already started out in business and require mentorship on your next steps, Belfast City Council's Go Succeed Start experts will help you to create a business plan, seek funding and put all the foundations in place to get your business up and running.

This support is available to anyone interested in starting a business. Complete a short enquiry form or call 0800 027 0639 to register for free advice and guidance from Belfast City Council.

Start-up and early-stage business support programmes

Belfast City Council runs or part-funds business support programmes to help you start a business. Current programmes include:

Fintech Support Programme

Support for early-stage innovation, start-up activity and scaling for Belfast-based Fintech companies - find out more about the Fintech Support Programme.

Inclusive Enterprise Pathway Mentoring Programme

Early enterprise activity workshops, bespoke mentoring, and enterprise support for groups that have been historically under-represented, under-supported and under-funded - find out more about the Inclusive Enterprise Pathway Mentoring Programme.

Social enterprise and co-operative support

Help for setting up a new social enterprise or co-operative including advice, networking opportunities, coaching and workshops - find out more about social enterprise and co-operative support.

Test Trading opportunities at St George’s Market

Opportunity for businesses to test trade their products or promote their services at St George’s Market - find out more about the test trading opportunities.

My New Business

My New Business is a free online service that covers everything you need to start, plan and run a business. It has checklists, videos, tools, tutorials and case studies to help you get your business started - find out more about My New Business.

Get a business licence

You may need a licence to operate certain types of business in Belfast City Council. Find more information on how to apply for business licences on the Belfast City Council website.