BEA To Help Students Set Up Businesses

Students who would like to set up businesses while studying are to be assisted by the Belfast Enterprise Academy (BEA).

Belfast City Council funds the pre-enterprise support programme to help third-level education students living in the city who want to become entrepreneurs. They receive guidance on developing a business plan, one-to-one mentoring and get to meet and gain advice from existing innovative businesses.

Running for the past 6 years, more than 40 student-led start-up enterprises have emerged from the BEA. Students on the programme can apply to complete the OCN Level 3 award in Business Development. They can also use the award towards The Edge award, run through the Ulster University and Degree Plus, run through Queen's University.

Councillor Deirdre Hargey, Chair of Belfast City Council's City Growth and Regeneration 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 the future entrepreneurs of our city and economy."