Get Started in Business

If you're not currently in work whether you're a carer, in full-time education, living with a disability or long-term health condition, retired, or simply taking a break — and you’ve ever wondered “could I run my own business?”, Go Succeed can help you explore what’s possible.

Explore whether self-employment or business ownership is the right path for you while growing your confidence and motivation along the way. Develop early-stage business ideas or simply discover what kind of business might suit you best. You’ll also build a simple plan for your next steps, connect with local networks and support, and access further help if you decide to move forward.

You don’t need any experience, and you don’t need a business plan.
This support is about finding your path — at your pace, with a local advisor by your side.

Who Can Apply?

This support is for people in Northern Ireland who are not currently in paid work.

You might be:

- Taking a break from work and not actively seeking a job in the past month
- Unable to start work in the next couple of weeks
- Retired
- In full-time education
- Caring for a family member or friend
- Living with a long-term illness or disability

    If any of these situations sound like you, you may be eligible — even if you’ve never had a business idea before and just want to explore whether self-employment could be right for you.

What You’ll Get:

Up to 10 hours of 1:1 support with a local business advisor
A light-touch, low-pressure approach tailored to your needs
Access to a small grant if you decide to take the next step
Personalised guidance - no jargon, no complicated paperwork

How it works

Step 1

Fill in the short form below

Step 2

Your local council will contact you for a quick chat

Step 3

Together, we’ll help you take the first step (even if you’re not sure where to start)