Arlene Foster Praises Mid-Ulster Success

Arlene Foster has praised the successful "entrepreneurial spirit" of Mid Ulster.

The Enterprise Minister was addressing the Magherafelt Chamber of Commerce at their Business Breakfast.

She said: "Building a strong business base in Mid Ulster takes not just ambitious and talented entrepreneurs - it also requires a strong support network. That is why Invest Northern Ireland, and other economic development organisations, offer a range of support to help businesses with product and processes development, with exporting activity and with achieving operational excellence.

"Funding has been awarded for the Enterprising Magherafelt programme which aims to identify and support local businesses with the potential to innovate, increase competitiveness and ultimately create employment, wealth and expenditure in the local economy.

"Further funding has also recently been awarded to the Food Business Development Programme, which aims to improve the capability of at least 30 businesses in the Food and Hospitality sector."

The Fermanagh based MLA pointed to the 33 Jobs Fund business investment projects at various stages of development in Mid Ulster.

The Jobs Fund was launched in April 2011as a means to support Northern Ireland business owners and tackle unemployment.

She said the Jobs Fund business investment in Mid Ulster would lead to the creation of 552 new jobs, 120 of which have already been created.

"The Jobs Fund has also provided support to seven young people aged 16-24 not in education, employment or training (NEET) to set up their own business through the NEET Business Start grant, and to five individuals resident in Neighbourhood Renewal Areas (NRA) to set up their own business through the NRA Business Start Grant," she said.

Minister Foster said it was important for local business to have a strong collective voice.

"I will continue to take every step necessary to boost local business during this economic downturn and ensure that local firms are able to seize the opportunities which emerge when the upturn arrives."

(IT)