L-R: Susie McCullough (Council's Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning) with Glenn Heasley (Go Fly Your Kite), Alderman Bill Keery (Mayor of Ards and North Down), Aimee Clint (Books by Stellas) and George Ellis (Go Fly Your Kite) at the ANDSEP information session. (Picture: Colin Maxwell)

More than 20 local social entrepreneurs attended an information session about Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Social Entrepreneurship Programme (ANDSEP) on Friday 18 October.

Held in Bangor’s Signal Centre, the session provided further details about the programme which is designed to help social entrepreneurs start a business as well as encourage existing social enterprises to grow.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Bill Keery, said:

“The delivery of this free programme demonstrates Ards and North Down Borough Council’s long-term commitment to support and develop social entrepreneurship in our borough.”

“By taking part, social enterprises will be able to maximise their positive impact on society and potentially create additional employment in the borough. It is of real, tangible benefit for social entrepreneurs and provides them with the tools that will allow them to expand their businesses.”

The programme offers assistance for start-up entrepreneurs and provides tailored mentoring as well as business planning support and advice to participating groups, helping them to develop their business. It can also help groups in the voluntary and community sector to become social enterprises.

ANDSEP has a successful track record with a total of 35 participants taking part in the 2016-18 programme. They were able to secure more than £0.5m in funding and 19 jobs were created as a direct result of the guidance received.

For more information, visit andbusiness.co.uk/ANDSEP or email maura.bettes@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk.