Ards and North Down Borough Council has launched a new Cybersecurity Business Support Programme, CyberWise, designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) strengthen their cyber resilience and improve their ability to protect against online threats.
The programme will run from December 2025 to March 2026 and will offer practical, tailored support to local businesses across all sectors. Participation is fully funded by the council, with a limited number of places available.
READ MORE: AI in Action: From Hype to Real-World Results
Through a combination of one-to-one mentoring, workshops, and a structured assessment process, the programme will help businesses:
● Understand the cyber risks most relevant to their organisation
● Benchmark their current level of cyber readiness
● Improve security practices across people, processes, and technology
● Build confidence in responding to incidents
● Develop a clear Cybersecurity Action Plan aligned with recognised guidance such as the NCSC’s Cyber Essentials framework
The programme will be delivered by Hackily Limited. The delivery team brings extensive experience in business support, cybersecurity awareness, and SME mentoring across Northern Ireland.
Gillian Colan-O’Leary, Director, Hackily said: “Cybersecurity is an increasingly important issue for all businesses, regardless of size or sector. This programme is designed to provide clear, practical support and help organisations across the borough take achievable steps to strengthen their resilience.”
Businesses based in the Ards and North Down Borough Council area with up to 250 employees are eligible to apply. The programme welcomes organisations of all sizes, from sole traders to larger small and medium-sized enterprises.
READ MORE: Innovation at Pivotal SecPlus - Shaping the future of cash management
Applicants will be asked to share how their organisation could benefit from taking part in the Cyber Security Mentoring Programme, for example, by strengthening cyber resilience during growth or digital transformation, meeting customer or supply chain requirements, or preparing for future certifications or tenders.
Businesses interested in taking part can submit an expression of interest here https://cyberwise.work/.
Sync NI's Autumn 2025 magazine explores how Northern Ireland is moving AI from pilot to production
This issue features exclusive insights from industry leaders on real-world AI implementation, responsible adoption, enterprise infrastructure, and how data-driven innovation is transforming businesses across the region.
Read the Big Data Special Edition free online →
Stay connected with NI's tech community:
Subscribe to our newsletter – Get the latest tech news, job opportunities, and events delivered to your inbox
Visit Sync NI – Your daily source for Northern Ireland technology news
