Enterprise Week 2025

Mid & East Antrim

Enterprise Week 17–22 November 2025

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Mayor’s Welcome Throughout this week, we’ve curated a diverse range of events, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to inform, inspire, and empower. Whether you’re just beginning your entrepreneurial journey or scaling an established venture, we encourage you to take full advantage of the live sessions, meet likeminded individuals, and expand your network. There’s nothing quite like the energy of a room filled with ambitious minds and bold ideas.

Welcome to Mid and East Antrim Enterprise Week 2025!

On behalf of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, I am delighted to welcome you to this year’s Enterprise Week—an inspiring celebration of innovation, resilience, and opportunity as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week 2025.

Since its inception in 2008, Global Entrepreneurship Week has grown into a worldwide movement, engaging millions across more than 180 countries. It brings together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, educators, and support organisations to spark ideas, build connections, and drive economic growth.

This year, we proudly align our programme with GEW’s four global themes: • Education – equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills to thrive • Ecosystems – strengthening the networks that support business success

We are proud to celebrate the remarkable entrepreneurs across our borough— individuals whose creativity and determination continue to shape industries, enrich communities, and contribute to a vibrant local economy. Their success stories are a testament to the power of innovation and the strength of our enterprise ecosystem.

If you’ve ever considered taking the leap into entrepreneurship, there’s no better time than now. Let this week be the spark that ignites your next chapter.

We look forward to seeing you at our events and hope you leave feeling informed, supported, and inspired to pursue your aspirations with confidence.

Councillor Jackson Minford Mayor Mid and East Antrim Borough Council

• Inclusion – ensuring everyone has access to entrepreneurial opportunities • Policy – advocating for environments that enable innovation and growth 1

Enterprise Week 2025 At a Glance Below you'll find a snapshot of what's happening throughout the week from hands-on workshops and inspirational talks to networking sessions and spotlight showcases.

Dive into the table below to explore the full schedule and find the events that spark your ambition.

Mon 17

Developing a Thriving Mindset Enterprise and Employability Drop-In Clinic (Carrickfergus) Tour Connections Event Launch - The Future Our Town Centre – Student Pitch Challenge!

Tues 18

Ballymena Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Breakfast in partnership with Danske Bank The King’s Trust - Start Your Own Business Starting a Business from Home

Wed 19

How to Drive Business Growth with Innovation Fit for Business - an International Men’s Day Event Go Succeed - The Ultimate Pitch Final Completing Your HMRC Self-Assessment Tax Return

Thurs 20

Enterprise and Employability Drop-In Clinic (Larne) Enterprising Women: Selling with Confidence Workshop Behind the Mission - Stories from the heart of Social Enterprise

Fri 21

SNACK ATTACK! Primary School Competition Winner Announcement

Sat 22

Ballymena Business Centre Business Roadshow Carrickfergus Artisan Market

Wed 26

What You Need to Know About Launching a Social Enterprise

For more details on the Enterprise Week schedule click here 2

Monday 17 November Developing a Thriving Mindset Monday 17 November 9am–1pm Ecos Hub, Ballymena Mid and East Antrim Borough Council are hosting a dynamic half-day coaching event, designed exclusively for microbusiness and SME leaders across the borough.

This empowering session will explore the foundational role of mindset in driving sustainable business growth. Delivered by an expert mindset coach, Niall McAlinden of The Thrive Programme®, the event is an interactive workshop - equipping business leaders with tools and strategies to: • • • •

Build resilience in the face of challenges Develop a growth-orientated outlook Strengthen confidence and clarity in decision-making Harness mindset as a driver for innovation and success

Whether you’re looking to scale your business, overcome barriers, or simply sharpen your entrepreneurial edge, this event offers valuable insights and hands-on learning tailored to today’s competitive landscape.

Who should attend?

Entrepreneurs, microbusiness owners, SME leaders, managers eager to strengthen their mind set for growth.

This transformative morning will inspire fresh thinking, unlock new possibilities, and empower leaders to take their business to the next level.

To secure your place click here

Enterprise and Employability Drop-In Clinic (Carrickfergus) Monday 17 November 10.30am–12 noon Carrickfergus Jobs and Benefits Office Drop in to Carrickfergus JBO to find out more about Council’s enterprise and employability supports. This event is aimed at residents who have an idea for a new business and want to discover how to turn that idea into reality. The clinic also open to those wanting to find out more about the wide range of employment academies and skills programmes on offer.

To attend, please call in between 10.30am and 12 noon.

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Monday 17 November Tour Connections Monday 17 November 12 noon–2pm Dobbs Room, Carrickfergus Town Hall Tour Connections is a practical workshop designed to help local tour guides harness the power of their smartphones to create engaging content for social media and online platforms. Participants will learn the basics of smartphone photography and videography, including tips on framing, lighting, and sound, as well as useful accessories to enhance quality.

The session then explores different social media platforms and guides attendees on what types of content work best on each. A hands-on activity allows tour guides to create their first short video or photo story using free editing apps, with support on adding captions, hashtags, and location tags.

The workshop will also help guides showcase their unique offerings and local knowledge.

Attendees will leave with a toolkit of resources, a content planning template, and the confidence to start promoting their tours online.

The event concludes with a Q&A and networking session to encourage collaboration and idea-sharing among participants.

To secure your place, click here

The Future of Our Town Centre – Event Launch Monday 17 November Online and on Social Media During Global Entrepreneurship Week, we will be launching an exciting and inspiring event where creativity meets community vision, The Future of Our Town Centre – Student Pitch Challenge! This challenge invites students to reimagine the future of their local town centres—Ballymena, Carrickfergus, or Larne—and present their ideas to a panel of “Dragons.”

Each team will develop a pitch focused on revitalising their chosen town centre. Their presentation will be judged by a panel of Dragons, who will be looking for bold ideas, thoughtful analysis, and a clear vision for the future.

To secure your place email: lisa.burns@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

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Tuesday 18 November Ballymena Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Breakfast in partnership with Danske Bank Tuesday 18 November 8.30am–10am Galgorm Resort & Spa Join us for our 2025 Economic Brief & Networking Event.

This event is in partnership with Danske Bank where we will look at: • How the NI economy has performed in 2025 and the outlook for 2026 • Drivers of recent moves in foreign exchange and interest rates • Opportunities for NI and perspectives on NI Business To secure your place email: tom@ballymenachamber.co.uk

The King’s Trust, Start Your Own Business Tuesday 18 November 12 noon–1pm Online Are you aged 18-30 and interested in starting your own business? The King’s Trust free business support can help turn your idea into a reality.

You’ll develop the skills and knowledge you need to launch and grow your business, thanks to one-to-one support, training and mentoring from business experts.

This 60-minute online session will introduce you to the programme and will cover: • what it involves • the support that can be offered to you • instructions on how to apply.

After the session, you can decide if you’re ready to start your business journey with us!

Booking will close 24 hours before the session starts.

To secure your place click here

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Tuesday 18 November Starting a Business From Home Tuesday 18 November 6.30pm–8pm Glenarm Village Hall Are you considering starting a business from your home? Then join us for this workshop which will provide advice on the practical and legal considerations for home-based businesses and explore how you can get started and grow.

Whether you’re dreaming of launching a side hustle or building a full-time business from your living room, this workshop is your perfect first step and will walk you through the essential practical and legal aspects of running a business from home.

Learn how to identify your niche, attract customers, and scale your operations sustainably.

Whether you’re just exploring the idea or already taking steps, you’ll leave with actionable insights and the confidence to move forward.

To secure your place click here

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Wednesday 19 November How to Drive Business Growth with Innovation Wednesday 19 November Northern Regional College (NRC) Ballymena 10am–11.30am Join us at Northern Regional College, Ballymena, for a session designed to explore how innovation can help drive business growth.

During the event, you will participate in interactive discussions around the typical barriers to innovation, before looking at technologies and support available that will challenge your thinking and spark your creativity. Whether you are already engaging in innovation, or exploring what is possible, this workshop is perfect for anyone looking to think outside the box.

Key takeaways: • Implement innovation to enhance productivity and commercialisation potential • Identify potential equipment you may need • Adopt technologies and support available to future-proof your business The workshop will also discuss Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s new iLab centre, and you will have an opportunity to help shape what technologies can be placed here that will benefit your business.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, learn new strategies for problem-solving, and ignite your innovative spirit.

To secure your place click here

Fit for Business: Power, Presence & Performance (an International Men’s Day Event) Wednesday 19 November 12 noon-1.30pm Larne Town Hall Join us for an energising lunchtime workshop designed to help men unlock the power of physical and mental fitness as a catalyst for business success.

Led by Andrew Falconer, professional injury specialist and fitness coach from Just Active Injury Clinic, this session will explore how movement, posture, and mindset directly influence confidence, leadership presence, and workplace productivity.

Andrew brings a deeply personal perspective, having overcome his own health challenges in recent years. Hear his inspiring story of how stress manifested physically in his body—and how he rebuilt his health through mindset and movement.

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Wednesday 19 November

What to expect: • • • •

Insight into common stressors faced by entrepreneurs and business owners Practical techniques to boost mental resilience and physical wellbeing Real-life strategies to enhance performance and presence in business Opportunities to connect with local health support organisations for guidance or confidential chats

Whether you’re a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or professional looking to improve your wellbeing, this workshop offers tools and inspiration to help you thrive.

To secure your place click here

The Ultimate Pitch Final Wednesday 19 November 1pm–5pm Seamus Heaney Centre, Bellaghy The Ultimate Pitch returns for 2025 — and we’re searching for Northern Ireland’s most ambitious entrepreneurs to take centre stage. Local heats have taken place across Northern Ireland with winners from each council area being invited to make the ‘ultimate pitch’ to an esteemed panel of expert judges at a special event in Seamus Heaney Home Place in Bellaghy.

Winners of sub-categories, which include the Go Succeed Impact Award for the best social enterprise, the Go Succeed Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award, and the Go Succeed Rising Star Award for the most inspiring 16–25-year-old entrepreneur, will also receive £1,500 towards their business idea.

Meanwhile, members of the public will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite finalist to win the People’s Choice Award – who will also get a £1,500 cash prize.

To secure your place click here

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Wednesday 19 November Completing Your HMRC Self-Assessment Tax Return Wednesday 19 November 5.30pm–8pm Ballymena Business Centre The Go Succeed Start team hosts this in-person ‘Completing Your HMRC Self-Assessment Tax Return’ masterclass.

Are you a sole trader or small business owner feeling daunted by the thought of completing your Self-Assessment tax return? You’re not alone – and this practical masterclass is designed especially for you.

Led by Laureen Cuckson (LC Accountancy Services, Ballymena), this interactive session will walk you through: • • • •

What information and records you need to prepare Step-by-step guidance on completing the Self-Assessment form Common mistakes to avoid to save you time and money Tips to make the process quicker, easier, and less stressful each year

By the end of the session, you’ll feel more confident, better organised, and fully equipped to submit your tax return correctly and on time.

Whether you’re new to self-employment or have been trading for years, this session will help you de-muddle your finances and take the stress out of the tax season!

To secure your place click here

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Thursday 20 November Enterprise and Employability Drop-In Clinic (Larne) Thursday 20 November 10.30am–12 noon Larne Jobs and Benefits Office Drop in to Larne JBO to find out more about Council’s enterprise and employability supports.

This event is aimed at residents who have an idea for a new business and want to discover how to turn that idea into reality. The clinic also open to those wanting to find out more about the wide range of employment academies and skills programmes on offer.

To attend, please call in between 10.30am and 12 noon.

Enterprising Women: Selling With Confidence Workshop Thursday 20 November 10.30am–2pm Carrickfergus Enterprise Tina O’Hagan is a distinguished business owner and entrepreneur with extensive expertise in selling commercial equipment products to the hospitality and food industry internationally, specifically in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and the USA. She has successfully established and operated distribution companies in Ireland and Australia, and has now launched a sales training and mentoring business, aiming to impart her vast knowledge of selling to others. We are delighted that Tina will be joining us to provide a practical and highly interactive sales training session that will include topics such as: • • • •

Overcoming the fear of selling How to create a sales pipeline from a blank sheet How to nurture customer relationships and increase sales Keeping it all together self-development check-in

This is an Enterprising Women event – members only will receive invite directly via email. If you are not a member but would like to be, email kelli@ceal.co.uk

Behind the Mission: Stories from the heart of our social enterprises Thursday 20 November On Social Media throughout the day In honour of Social Enterprise Day, we’re proud to present a powerful video series that shines a spotlight on the inspiring work of local social enterprises. These short films capture the passion, purpose, and people behind businesses that are changing lives and strengthening communities in our borough. Watch, share, and be part of the movement!

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Friday 21 November SNACK ATTACK! Primary School Competition Winner Friday 21 November On Social Media throughout the day In September Mid and East Antrim Borough Council invited all P4 and P5 pupils to get creative in the kitchen and the classroom, and challenged young minds to design a brandnew healthy snack alongside a poster to promote their amazing idea.

Two lucky winners and their classmates will: • Meet the maker • Discover what it’s like to run an exciting food business Who will it be? Keep an eye on Social Media where the winners will be announced!

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Saturday 22 November Ballymena Business Centre Business Roadshow Saturday 22 November 11am–2pm Midtown Makers Business Hub, 51-53 Church Street, Ballymena As part of Global Entrepreneurship Week 2025, Ballymena Business Centre is hosting a Free Business Roadshow sponsored by The Gallaher Trust on Saturday 22 November 2025. This informal event is designed to inspire, connect, and support local entrepreneurs. Whether you are thinking about starting your own business or looking to grow an existing one, this event offers a valuable opportunity to access expert advice, practical guidance, and local support all under one roof.

The roadshow will bring together experienced business mentors from a range of local organisations ready to answer questions, share insights, and help you take your next steps with confidence. From business planning and funding options to marketing and growth strategies, there is something here for every stage of the entrepreneurial journey.

So, if you have a business idea ready to launch or ambitions to expand your current venture, don’t miss this chance to get the right support and make the right connections.

Join Ballymena Business Centre during Global Entrepreneurship Week 2025 and be part of a global celebration of innovation and enterprise — right here in the heart of our town centre community.

Admission is free, and everyone is welcome.

To secure your place click here

Carrickfergus Artisan Market Saturday 22 November 1pm–5.30pm Carrickfergus Town Hall Join for a special Artisan Market as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week and the town’s festive Light Switch On! Discover and support incredible local entrepreneurs, from talented bakers and candle makers to crochet, crafts, wax melts and more. With a wide range of unique stalls, it’s the perfect opportunity to pick up something special, meet the makers, and celebrate creativity in our community.

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Wednesday 26 November What You Need to Know About Social Enterprise Wednesday 26 November LEDCOM, Willowbank Business Park 10am–12 noon The Go Succeed Start team hosts this in-person ‘What You Need to Know About Social Enterprise’ masterclass.

Are you passionate about creating change — and ready to turn that passion into a sustainable business?

This is an interactive workshop designed for people aspiring to build businesses that do good and do well. Whether you’re just beginning to explore your idea or ready to take the next step, this session will equip you with the tools confidence and signposting to launch your social enterprise.

Topics Covered: • • • • •

Social Enterprise vs. Charity vs. Traditional Business Legal Structures & Choosing the Best Fit for Your Mission Registration & Governance Funding Options & Financial Sustainability Signposting to other support

To secure your place click here

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Our Enterprise Week Partners Mid and East Antrim Borough Council are very grateful to our partners for collaborating on our programme of events. For more info visit: Mid and East Antrim Enterprise Week 2025 | Mid and East Antrim Borough Council

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Further Information T 028 2563 3190 E amplify@midandeastantrim.gov.uk www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/GEW

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