A number of students are seeing their business ideas become a reality after completing an enterprise programme, funded by Belfast City Council.

22 students took part in the Belfast Enterprise Academy (BEA) - designed for degree students living in the city who want to become entrepreneurs. As part of the Academy, they got to meet existing entrepreneurs and received one-to-one mentoring and help with developing a business plan.

Councillor Deirdre Hargey from Belfast City Council’s Development Committee presented the BEA students with certificates at a special celebration event in the Black Box recently.
Conall Mac Canna and Dicky Li started their independent games studio Pandara’s Box during a placement year from their Game Development Course at Queen’s University and went on to release their first game in March. They found the workshops on marketing your business, sourcing funds and about tax to be particularly helpful.

Councillor Deirdre Hargey, Chair of Belfast City Council’s Development Committee, said: “The Belfast Enterprise Academy is a stimulating and exciting programme that encourages students to consider self-employment and develop business ideas. The programme also emphasises the importance of entrepreneurship as a driver for our local economy. We believe that by developing these talented young people, we will form a strong base for our future entrepreneurs and economy. I wish them every success for a bright business future.”

The Belfast Enterprise Academy is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland.
For more information on the council’s support for local business, you can visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/business or www.facebook.com/belfastbusinessinfo

Pictured - Conall Mac Canna, Claire McAteer and Dicky Li have completed the council’s Belfast Enterprise Academy programme.