Founders, entrepreneurs and businesses across Fermanagh and Omagh will have a regular opportunity to access business support in person, with monthly Business Support Drop In sessions at The Workhouse, Enniskillen.
Representatives from South West College InnoTech, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Invest Northern Ireland will be available at The Workhouse on the last Wednesday of each month, from 10am to 1pm, providing an informal opportunity for people to call in, discuss their business, explore an idea and find out what support may be available.
The sessions are designed to make accessing business support as straightforward as possible. Those attending do not need to know which organisation or programme is most relevant before coming along. They can start with a conversation about where they are, what they are working on and what they may need next.
Whether someone is exploring an early business idea, starting a new venture, developing an established business, considering innovation or planning for growth, the organisations will be available to provide support or help signpost them in the right direction.
Kate McGrath, Business Manager at The Workhouse, said:
“Having South West College, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Invest Northern Ireland together at The Workhouse makes it easier for people to access support. Whatever stage you are at, you can call in, have a conversation and hopefully leave with practical support, a useful connection or a clearer idea of where to go next.”
Nicola Quinn, Head of Business and Industry Support at South West College, InnoTech, said:
“We are delighted to be part of these monthly Business Support Drop In sessions at The Workhouse. By bringing support directly into the local business community, we can make it easier for entrepreneurs and businesses to discuss their ambitions, identify skills or innovation needs, and access the expertise available through South West College InnoTech. Whether someone is developing an initial idea, seeking to upskill their workforce, exploring innovation or planning for growth, our team will be available to provide practical guidance and help connect them with the support that is right for their business.”
Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Debbie Coyle, said:
“Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to working in partnership to achieve a more inclusive economy and promote shared prosperity across our district. These Business Support Drop-In sessions are an excellent example of how collaboration between organisations can make support more accessible for entrepreneurs, start-ups and established businesses alike.
By bringing together expertise in one location, this initiative helps individuals and businesses identify the opportunities, advice and support available to them at every stage of their business journey. I encourage anyone considering a new venture or looking to grow an existing business to go along and find out what support is available.”
Ethna McNamee, Head of Regional Business for the Western Region at Invest NI, said:
“These monthly drop in sessions are an important way for us and partner organisations to engage directly with local entrepreneurs and businesses, helping them identify the right advice, programmes and opportunities for their individual needs. Through our programmes such as Ambition to Grow, which is currently open for applications, we are committed to working with ambitious businesses to help them strengthen their capabilities, explore new opportunities and realise their growth potential.”
The monthly Business Support Drop Ins form part of The Workhouse’s wider programme of activity, connecting founders and businesses with expertise, networks and opportunities and making business support more accessible locally.
The Workhouse provides workspace, meeting facilities and a programme of enterprise, innovation and networking activity, working collaboratively with partners to support entrepreneurs and businesses across the area.
The Business Support Drop In sessions take place on the last Wednesday of each month, from 10am to 1pm at The Workhouse, Enniskillen. No appointment is necessary.