Kickstarting NMD Enterprise Week 2021, Down Business Centre will host a Business Advice Clinic to guide you towards the whole range of supports available through the Centre. Bought to you in partnership with Newry Mourne and Down District Council, the event will provide the perfect opportunity for local business owners to pick the brains of local Downpatrick based Accountant, Michael Morrisey, who will cover everything from business start-up, financial and funding advice to sustaining your business. 

1 to 1 Business Advice is now even more valuable than ever. So, make an appointment direct with Down Business Centre by emailing business@downbc.co.uk or telephone 028 4461 6416.

Please specify if you prefer either Online or Face to Face consultation. All consultations will be 30 minutes approximately and must be pre-booked.

Zoom Software ( a link will be forwarded to those who register)

Face – to – Face by prior appointment only.

Delivering one of the opening events of NMD Enterprise Week 2021, local woman and entrepreneur, Joanne Callan – Founder of Social Enterprise company ‘Changing Cycles’, will deliver a workshop that will explore how women can optimise their female energy and cyclical nature to achieve their goals, create fulfilment & success in both their personal and professional lives.

Joanne Callan has been Self Employed for over 20 years, opening her first business when she was aged 19. Registration is essential.

The Go For It Programme revisits its hugely successful ‘Confessions of a Start-up Business Owner’ webinars with bitesize insights from experienced entrepreneurs on how turn a business idea into a reality.

Inspirational insights from experienced entrepreneurs on how turn a business idea into a reality.

Dave Linton provides an inspirational insight into how he conquered his fears to launch his business, branded rucksacks and holdalls, to help give dignity to children in care.

SERC will host a Skill Up, The Flexible Skills Fund programme webinar on Monday 8th November from 12pm – 12.45pm.

Speaker Debbie Scott will cover –

• Overview of SERC Business Services
• Overview of Flexible Skills
• Criteria
• Courses on offer
• Graduate programme
• Case studies

If you have any questions about the event please contact Martin Cunningham: mcunningham@serc.ac.uk

Starting a business is one of the most exhilarating experiences in life.

Once you’ve done it what happens when your business hits an iceberg, or Brexit or Covid? How do you manage when it all goes south?

Join us for a shot in the arm of positivity, and we certainly all need one. Amidst the uncertainty and all the obstacles, listen to this clear message to rise above what you cannot control and get on with it. Some solid advice on taking a rational look at your business and recognising that getting weighed down by the situation is not an option but building resilience and perseverance will help you win through. Inspiring and upbeat.

This NMD Enterprise Week 2021, we are placing an emphasis on inspiring young people to make their mark, focusing in on career guidance and empowering students at a critical time in their education. Newry Mourne and Down District Council has partnered with Newry and Mourne Enterprise Agency and Down Business Centre to facilitate a  online school presentations targeting Year 10’s.

Year 10s have to look ahead, think seriously about their personal futures, begin to take responsibility – They have to consider which GCSE subjects they will study after Year 10. They will face the prospect of exams in two years which will shape the range of future study choices and ultimately careers open to them.   Many for the first time will have to begin to seriously think about what they are interested in, what they like to do, what they are good at and what they are less good at and what they may want to do beyond GCSEs, not just to earn money but in their lives more generally.

This in a world of increasing complexity, buffeted by winds of post-pandemic uncertainty and a blizzard of distractions.

This short online presentation reflects on the importance of young people at this age thinking about the world they live in, their strengths and weaknesses, the value of time and crucially the importance of their personal well-being – to put them in the strongest position possible to make the best choices for them.

If your school is interested in participating in this pan-Newry Mourne and Down District event which is being delivered by Newry and Mourne Enterprise Agency and Down Business Centre then e-mail Maeve McParland mmcparland@nmea.net

Join us on Tuesday 9th November for an informal webinar and questions and answer session which will provide your business with an update on cross border trade post Brexit. The webinar will focus on customs requirements.

You will hear from Customs specialists and have the opportunity to ask the experts your questions live on the day. Questions can also be submitted in advance.

This event is free to join and held as part of NMD Enterprise Week and in partnership with InterTradeIreland and Newry and Mourne & Down District Council.

Delivered via Zoom

SERC will host a Innovation Funding and Support webinar on Tuesday 9th November from 12pm – 12.45pm via MS Teams.

Speaker 1 Andrea Kennedy will give an overview of:

• SERC Business Services
• DfE funding options for innovation 1-2-1 mentoring
• Larger Innovation Programmes such as Intertrade Ireland, Knowledge Transfer Partnership and Fusion

Speaker 2 Brendan Burns will give an overview of the R and D scheme, specifically :

• What the scheme is all about
• How does it work
• Examples of R&D

If you have any questions about the above event please contact Martin Cunningham: mcunningham@serc.ac.uk

Newry & Mourne Co-Operative & Enterprise Agency (NMEA) are hosting a Facebook Live session focusing in on how to ensure you set up your business properly.  This 30 minute session is delivered by the team of experienced Business Advisors at NMEA who will be able to guide you through the process.  The session is perfect for those who have limited time and want to know the facts and ‘must do’s’ to ensuring that you get your business up and going.

Newry & Mourne Co-Operative & Enterprise Agency (NMEA) are hosting a drop in Business Advice Clinic to guide anyone thinking of starting a business, becoming self-employed or starting a social enterprise company.

The team of experienced Business Advisors at NMEA will be able to guide you towards the next step and advise on the whole range of supports available from Newry & Mourne Co-Operative & Enterprise Agency, in partnership with Newry Mourne and Down District Council.  The session will provide the perfect opportunity for local potential business owners from in an around the Greater Newry area and will cover everything from business start-up, financial and funding advice to sustaining your business. 

1 to 1 Business Advice is now even more valuable than ever.

This event is open to anyone to call on the evening and obtain information on

• Exploring Enterprise
• GO FOR IT – Business Start up
• Social Enterprise Programme
• Other Council funded support 

Lean-In Circles are a safe space to share your struggles, give and get advice, and celebrate each other’s wins. Whether you need help navigating your new normal at work or are looking for support from women who understand what you’re going through, your Circle will give you the boost we all need.

Lean-In Down has been running for a few years and are a great supportive group of women working in business.

Register your interest and come along.

If you are wanting to reach more prospects and sell more products then you need to reach people quickly.

The very best way to do that is to use paid advertising.

If done right paid advertising can be as little as £5/day and you only have to run ads for a few days!

In this exclusive workshop, Red Chilli Digital CEO and veteran direct response marketer, Phil Carrick, is back again to show you how you can advertise cost effectively on Facebook and Instagram.

Over the past 12 years Phil has generated over 42,000 leads for his agency and clients, so you’re in for a treat, nothing will be held back on this workshop.

If there is time Phil will also cover how to build an effective email list that allows you to build rapport with your prospects, and ultimately sell to in the future!

The workshop is capped at 100, so please register ASAP and make sure you attend on time, otherwise you may not get in.

As part of the highly successful NMD Tender for Growth programme, which is part funded by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth & Jobs Northern Ireland (2014 -2020) programme, this workshop is aimed specifically at SME/Micro Enterprise Owner-Managers in the region.

This workshop will cover different ways in which you can exploit your networks to win new contracts. The main areas of focus will be:

• Getting to know the key buyers in your industry with a view to sourcing out below-threshold contract opportunities
• Getting to know the key suppliers in your industry with a view to building a team / consortia bid for larger opportunities

This workshop will be hosted virtually using Zoom – a link will be sent to you in advance of the workshop. If you require assistance in using Zoom, a member of the Full Circle team can help you.

As part of NMD Enterprise Week, (SRC) will host Wayne Denner, Motivational Speaker, Author, Entrepreneur, Educator and Trainer for an upbeat and engaging webinar on Wednesday 10^th November from 09.30am via MS Teams.  

Learn more about the Google Ads platform and the range of ad formats available to use.  In this session, we will walk you through keyword research and setting up an effective pay-per-click search marketing ad. Throughout this webinar, we will demonstrate where you can set up display and video ads.  There will be time for a Q&A where participants can ask their questions about Google Ads.  

This workshop will be delivered virtually through Go To Webinar.

This webinar is organised and run as part of the Digital Growth Programme – a programme delivered by Alchemy Digital Training on behalf of Newry, Mourne & Down District Council / Ards & North Down Borough Council.

This project is part-funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth & Jobs Northern Ireland (2014-2020) Programme.

Harry’s Place is located at 25 High St, Ballynahinch BT24 8AB.

The team will host a Coffee Morning in the Cafe showcasing what they do. Harry’s Place is an excellent example of a Social Enterprise company in action and provides a range of facilities and services to empower those with not only learning disabilities but physical disabilities, sight and hearing impairment and also mental health issues.

The team will display information about what they do and what this Social Enterprise offers to the local Community.

This NMD Enterprise Week 2021, we are placing an emphasis on inspiring young people to make their mark, focusing in on career guidance and empowering students at a critical time in their education. Newry Mourne and Down District Council has partnered with Newry and Mourne Enterprise Agency and Down Business Centre to facilitate an  online school presentations targeting Years 13 and 14.

This short online presentation reflects on the life-path options which lie ahead for year 13 and 14 pupils after they complete their secondary-level education. As they concentrate their efforts on attaining the best exam results that they possibly can they also have to sharply focus on post-school career and life choices. If university is their ambition, how do they ensure that they secure the place best suited to them? Have they considered the further education college apprenticeship route? Have they given thought to the type of employment that they would ultimately be qualified for?

The context in which these major decisions have to be made, decisions which will have such a bearing on the future career and life journey of each pupil, is that of a world which is rapidly changing, of emerging disruptive technologies, of unpredictability. A post-pandemic, hyper-competitive world.

Understanding that stress is to be expected, that it is normal but that it can be controlled is more important than ever.

Caring for oneself by balancing rest, work, relationships, exercise and play will ensure that each individual is in the strongest position possible to fulfil their potential and be a happy, productive future citizen.

If your school is interested in participating in this pan-Newry Mourne and Down District event which is being delivered by Newry and Mourne Enterprise Agency and Down Business Centre then e-mail Maeve McParland: mmcparland@nmea.net

SERC will host a Funded Training for Business / Employers webinar on Wednesday 10th November from 11.30am – 12.15pm via MS Teams.

Speaker Jeb Berkeley will give an overview of –

• SERC Business Services
• DfE funded programme Skills Focus
• Examples of training on offer
• Case Studies
• Bespoke training programmes
• Training for businesses not eligible to Skills Focus

If you have any questions about the above event, please contact Martin Cunningham: mcunningham@serc.ac.uk

The Go For It Programme will host a special live interview with creative entrepreneur, Aoife Doherty, on Wednesday 10^th November (1pm) to celebrate Global Enterprise Week and inspire local people to take that first step to starting their own business.

The quick-fire 30-minute webinar will provide an honest insight into the inspirational story of what motivated Aoife, the founder and designer behind Sass & Halo, to turn her passion for fashion into a successful business.

Hosted by BBC Journalist and Presenter, Holly Hamilton, the interview will delve into how Aoife turned her back on a career in law to pursue her dream of working in fashion and launching Sass & Halo from her kitchen table.

Sass & Halo creates amazing decorative headwear for wedding, fashion and festivals for a global audience with a range stocked in TopShop.

Attendees will also have the chance to ask Aoife questions about her business and seek advice on how they can turn a business idea into a reality.

In preparation for Social Enterprise Day 2021 (Thursday 11 November), local Social Enterprise ‘Made in Mourne’, are holding a Wine & Cheese evening in their premises, located in the heart of the Mournes at 37 Greencastle Street, Kilkeel.

Take this opportunity to relax with friends and family while local wine connoisseur Andrew from KWM shares a selection of top tipples and fine wine advice. Soak in the atmosphere and browse the beautiful gift shop, which showcases local products and produce from over 70 local Social Enterprises.

Guest Speaker on the evening will be Jenna Stevenson – Founder and CEO of Made in Mourne, who will provide an insight into running a Social Enterprise and the fantastic achievements of the CIC over the past 4 years.

There is a charge to attend this event, payable directly to Made in Mourne. For more information and to register, please follow the links below. 

Newry Chamber is delighted to host a FREE breakfast seminar to promote entrepreneurship. The event is part of Newry, Mourne and Down Enterprise Week and will feature four young local entrepreneurs who were finalists at the recent Greater Newry Area Business Awards 2021.

They will each share their inspiring stories so far, giving an insight into how they started, how they have created employment and what they have learnt along the way.

A panel discussion and audience Q&A will follow

If you missed the Business Advice Clinic with Michael Morrisey on Monday 8^th November, the experienced Business Advisors at Down Business Centre will be on hand to guide you through the wide range of business supports available to you to set up, start and grow your business across the Newry Mourne and Down District Council area.

With the business landscape changing, 1 to 1 Business Advice is now even more valuable than ever.

Down Business Centre are now open for bookings and to book your session with a business advisor, email business@downbc.co.uk  or telephone 028 4461 6416.

Please specify if you prefer a consultation via Zoom or Face to Face.

On NMD Enterprise Week 2021, Get on board to hear from inspiring social enterprises from across Newry, Mourne and Down as the Belfast City Council ‘Go Social’ programme takes you on a virtual bus tour!

With our friends at Newry & Mourne Enterprise Agency stopping off at Bolster Community, Made in Mourne and Harry’s Place CIC, hear about customer facing social enterprises as well as meeting up with local social entrepreneurs and cooperatives to learn, build networks and collaborate together.

Zoom link below – Meeting ID: 819 3552 8226; Passcode: 714244

Newry & Mourne Co-Operative & Enterprise Agency (NMEA) are hosting a Facebook Live session focusing in on that all-important issue of Tax and ensuring that you keep your business compliant.  This 30 minute session is delivered by the team of experienced Business Advisors at NMEA who will be able to guide you through the process.  The session is perfect for those who have limited time and want to know the facts and ‘must do’s’ to ensuring that you get your business up and going.

From 1 October 2021, the requirements for prepacked food for direct sale (PPDS) food labelling changed in Northern Ireland. To help businesses involved in this sector, SRC will host a Labelling Changes for Pre-Packed for Direct Sale (PDDS) Food webinar on Friday 12th November from 09.30am.

SERC will host an Apprenticeships webinar on Friday 12th November from 12pm – 12.45pm via MS Teams.

Speaker Andrea Foster will cover –

• What is an apprenticeship?
• Educational routes
• Skills barometer
• Apprenticeship entry criteria
• Course progression and options
• Benefits of apprenticeships
• How do I find an apprentice?

If you have any questions about the above event, please contact Martin Cunningham: mcunningham@serc.ac.uk

Newry & Mourne Co-Operative & Enterprise Agency (NMEA) are hosting a Facebook Live session focusing in on the issue of Raising Finance for your Business!   This 30 minute session is delivered by the team of experienced Business Advisors at NMEA who will be able to guide you through the process.  The session is perfect for those who have limited time and want to know the facts and ‘must do’s’ to ensuring that you get your business up and going.