Go Succeed

Say Hello to Go Succeed  

Go Succeed is the go-to source for expert business advice led by Northern Ireland's eleven local councils. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur just starting out; are looking to grow your business; or are planning to scale up; our team of industry experts will provide tailored support and guidance to help you achieve your business goals.

For more information or to register interest please visit https://go-succeed.com/

	How Go Succeed Can Help You
	Starting your business You have a great idea but you're not sure how to turn it into a business, or you have already started out in business and require mentorship on your next steps. Our Go Succeed Start experts will help you to create a business plan, seek funding and put all the foundations in place to get your business up and running.
	Growing your business  Your business is already established and is now ready to expand, but growth is slow and you're not sure how to progress. Our Go Succeed Grow experts have seen it all before in just about every sector, so they'll provide tailored support to help shorten the journey to business growth.
	Scaling your business  Your business is ready to go to the next level locally and internationally but you need guidance, support or resources to achieve your ambitions. Our Go Succeed Scale industry experts will help tailor your plans to penetrate new markets, identify investment opportunities and scale up your operations.

Go Succeed Grants - Call 2

Apply now for a Go Succeed grant to support your business growth

If you’ve previously received support or are currently going through the Go Succeed service, you may be eligible to apply for a grant of between £1,000 and £3,000 to help take your business to the next level.

Delivered through Ards and North Down Borough Council, Go Succeed grants can fund up to 50% of eligible capital costs.

Examples of what the grant can support include:

• Specialist equipment or machinery to improve efficiency
• Digital tools, such as computers or business software
• Website development or e-commerce functionality
• Be actively trading within your council area.
• Have completed at least 60% of your mentoring support through Go Succeed.
• Have identified a barrier to growth the grant can help address.
• Be an enterprise or social enterprise with fewer than 50 full-time employees.

Who can apply?

To be eligible, you must:

Important info:

• Applications open on Wednesday 1st October and close on Wednesday 5th November 2025 at 12 noon.
• Use Call 2 application form ONLY, any previous versions will not be accepted.
• Grants will be awarded through a competitive process.
• You must not start your project until a formal Letter of Offer is received, signed, dated, and returned within 14 days to the council.
• All grants are paid retrospectively, after satisfactory project completion and verification.
• You must declare if you have applied to any other grant funding scheme that is open at the same time as or overlapping with Go Succeed Grants Call 2 , eg Rural Business Grant Scheme.

The Council and Go Succeed partners are hosting online and in person information sessions, please sign up below to find out more about the Go Succeed Grants;

Council Online Go Succeed information sessions
Monday 6th October 10am – 10.45am Online MS Teams
Monday 27th October at 5.30pm – 6.15pm Online MS Teams

Council Grants Information Drop In Sessions in Bangor Aurora Aquatic & Leisure Complex, 3 Valentine Road, Bangor BT20 4TH
Representatives from every Council department which provides grants will be present to provide information on what will be available throughout 2025-2026
Wednesday 15th October 12 – 2pm in-person
Wednesday 15th October 5pm – 7pm in-person
These are drop-in events, no registration required
 

Regional Masterclasses Online and in-person
Tuesday 7th October 10am-12pm online
Tuesday 21st October 10am-12pm online
Tuesday 14th October 10am – 12.30pm in-person
 
To find out more and check your eligibility visit, go-succeed.com/grants or contact: gosucceedgrants@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Entrepreneurship Network Roadshows

Connect with services & opportunities to explore self employment or entrepreneurship at one of our upcoming roadshow events.

If you’ve ever thought about working for yourself or starting something new but weren’t sure where to begin, this event is for you. You don’t need a business plan, experience or even a clear idea – just curiosity.

At the roadshows you will:

• Meet friendly advisors who understand the challenges people face and can guide you at your own pace
• Learn about free support, training & funding that could help turn your skills or interests into an income
• Explore opportunities for self-employment & entrepreneurship in a relaxed, welcoming environment

Roadshows taking place at different locations. Click below to register:

Portaferry Market House - 02 October 2025
Carrowdore Community Centre- 16 October 2025

This is your chance to find out what’s possible, ask questions without pressure and take that first step with the right support around you.

This is a FREE event and lunch will be provided.

Drop in anytime between 11:00 - 13:00.

The Ultimate Pitch

The Ultimate Pitch is back for 2025 — and we’re on the hunt for Northern Ireland’s most ambitious entrepreneurs to take centre stage.
Whether you’re just starting out or growing something new, this is your chance to stand out, secure funding, and bring your business idea to life.
Enter The Ultimate Pitch for a chance to:

• Pitch your idea to expert judges
• Get access to funding
• Receive business mentoring and support

Applications closed at 12pm on Friday 22nd August 2025.
Click here for more information