Economy Minister Dr has encouraged
applications to the only customised entrepreneurship programme
for people with disabilities available in Ireland.
Hosted and delivered by TU Dublin, the Self Employment for
Persons with Disabilities Programme helps break down barriers by
giving disabled people the skills and support to develop as
entrepreneurs.
It was made available in Northern Ireland for the first time in
2025 through a collaboration between the Department for the
Economy, Go Succeed and Disability Action. This is its
second year of operation here.
The Minister said: I am delighted that, following a very
successful first year of operating in the north, applications are
now open for a second intake of this important programme.
End of course feedback for this programme is incredibly positive,
with 100% of students stating they would recommend it. It is
the only customised entrepreneurship programme for people with
disabilities available in Ireland, directly addressing the unique
and often overlooked challenges that disabled entrepreneurs face
on their journey to business ownership.
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.
Applications are open now until 17 July 2026. Successful
applicants will be selected based solely on the quality of their
business idea.
Thomas Cooney Course Director said: "We have seen over five years
what this programme does for people it opens doors that many
participants never believed were open to them. Launching
here at Stormont in our second year of welcoming applicants from
Northern Ireland sends a clear message: wherever you live on this
island, and whatever barriers you face, your business idea
deserves a chance."
