Applications are now open for a new business support programme
for people with disabilities in Northern Ireland.
Hosted and delivered by TU Dublin, the Self Employment for
Persons with Disabilities Programme is about breaking down
barriers and ensuring that disabled people have access to the
skills and support needed to become successful entrepreneurs. The
programme is being made available to people in Northern Ireland
for the first time following a collaboration with the Department
for the Economy, Go Succeed and Disability Action.
Economy Minister Dr said: “This
is the only customised entrepreneurship programme for people with
disabilities available in Ireland. It directly addresses the
unique and often overlooked challenges that disabled
entrepreneurs face on their journey to business
ownership.
“The programme has already seen remarkable success in the
south, with many participants having already begun the journey of
launching their own start-ups, underscoring the importance of
programmes like this in making entrepreneurship accessible to
all. Indeed over 90% of participants each year state that
they feel more empowered to re-enter the labour market after
completing the programme.”
The programme is open to disabled people, including those with
visible, invisible, sensory, learning, mental health or
neurodivergent conditions, who wish to start their own business.
The programme is specifically designed for people at the early
stages of developing a business idea. Lectures take place online
every week for 12 weeks, running from September through to
December. Participants also have the opportunity to receive an
accredited award upon completion.
Fully funded by AIB, the programme is free to all participants.
Marty McLoughlin, Employment and Skills Services Manager at
Disability Action, said: “This course is a hugely welcome
development for our sector. It offers practical, tailored support
that empowers disabled people to take real steps toward
self-employment – something we know many have the ambition and
potential to achieve.”
As the programme is significantly oversubscribed each year, early
applications are advised. Successful applicants will be selected
based solely on the quality of their business idea. Applications
are open until 31 July 2025.
For more information on the entrepreneurship programme and to
apply, visit: https://www.tudublin.ie/explore/news/aib-and-tu-dublin-self-employment-for-persons-with-disabilities-programme-2025.html
Notes to editors:
- Photo caption – Pictured with Economy Minister Dr at Parliament
Buildings, Belfast are; Professor Tom Cooney, Director of
the Self Employment for Persons with Disabilities Programme, TU
Dublin; Hannah Bryson, who participated on the programme last
year; and Siobhan Owens, Go Succeed, Belfast City Council.
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