Ards and North Down Social Entrepreneurship Programme

Structured masterclasses, networking opportunities and one-to-one mentoring for micro-business/SME social enterprises

The Ards and North Down Social Entrepreneurship Programme (ANDSEP) aims to develop social enterprise micro-business/SME leadership skills, knowledge and application through structured masterclasses, networking opportunities and one-to-one mentoring. 

Social enterprise micro-businesses/SMEs participating on the programme will receive:

• a greater understanding of the issues impacting their business
• an agreed action plan for improvements in strategic and operational activities that embrace change, innovation and transition
• upskilling through mentoring, attendance at masterclasses
• the opportunity to participate in an established network with participating companies
• a legacy ANDSEP Action Plan to exploit future opportunities
• the opportunity to develop a relationship with the Council’s economic development support
• greater understanding of the wider funding ecosystem to access additional support

Eligibility criteria

Eligible businesses must:

• be an existing social enterprise
• be based in Ards and North Down Borough Council
• be trading for at least 12 months
• have more than one employee excluding the owner/director
• have ambition and potential for growth

ANDSEP masterclass dates

A range of social enterprise events are also taking place. Links to further information on these events will be shown as soon as details become available:

• Creativity and Social Innovation - Wednesday 30 August 2023
• Sustainability for Social Enterprise - Wednesday 27 September 2023
• Strategic Planning for Social Enterprise - Wednesday 18 October 2023
• Digital Marketing - Wednesday 25 October 2023

To register for these events, email helen@workwest.co.uk and/or maura.bettes@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk.

Find out more and apply for the Ards and North Down Social Entrepreneurship Programme.

First published 14 February 2023