Belfast City Council is welcoming applications for two successful programmes aimed at encouraging the city’s entrepreneurs to take the next step on their business journey.
The Cultivate scheme, now in its second year, offers six months of support for early stage and growth-focused businesses keen to create positive outcomes for people, communities and the environment.
Successful applicants will take part in an interactive programme of hands-on workshops and expert-led sessions, designed to grow and scale their concepts and maximise potential outputs.
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Aspiring leaders will have the chance to hear from global firms, innovators and sustainability experts on making their vision a reality, while mentors will help them to shape their plans into practical actions.
15 businesses will have the chance to win a share of a £10,000 grant prize fund to help further develop their ventures, following a pitch day competition, with last year’s scheme supporting innovative solutions aimed at tackling food waste, developing adaptive clothing and enabling farm safety.
Applications for Cultivate close on Thursday 8 October at 12pm – visit belfastcity.gov.uk/startabusiness to apply.
“This is a great opportunity for local entrepreneurs to get the practical support they need to make their business dream a reality, particularly those ventures which can make a real difference to our communities, environment and future growth,” said Councillor Joe Duffy, Chair of the council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee.
“Green technology, sustainable solutions and businesses with purpose are all high growth areas for Belfast, so if you’re interested in these areas, this is a great way to develop your confidence, get inspired and hone your ideas further.”
The Young Entrepreneurs to Watch programme is also now open for applications, targeting the city’s next generation of business brains.
The initiative offers three months of support to 16 to 29-year-olds, combining practical business basics workshops and one-to-one mentoring with a showcase finale where participants pitch their ventures for the chance to win a £2,000 funding boost.
Max Loebnau picked up the prize in 2025 and invested his winnings into new equipment for his Pressure Perfect pressure washing business.
He said: “Winning Young Entrepreneurs to Watch was a great experience. The events helped me build my business plan, gave me direction and motivation and improved my pitching skills.
“The prize money let me invest in better equipment, saving time and improving my work quality. My advice – apply for the programme. You will meet fellow entrepreneurs, supportive businesses and staff who help make the programme genuinely worthwhile.”
Applications for Young Entrepreneurs to Watch close on Thursday 15 October at 12pm – visit belfastcity.gov.uk/startabusiness to apply.
The council is also running a number of free sessions next week to further support local Belfast businesses and those keen to be their own boss.
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Mum to Mumtrepreneur, on Tuesday 29 September (10am-11.30am) at Second Nature (formerly Room 2 hotel), is a free workshop for women returning to work after having children or considering how work can better fit around their family life.
Featuring input from social media influencer Fiona McCartan (@GlutenFreeFi) and Laura Murphy, founder of OatsCo Superfuel, it will explore how self-employment and entrepreneurship can offer a flexible, achievable route back into work.
Ready, Steady, Go, on Wednesday 30 September (6pm) at North City Business Centre, offers practical support for recent business start-ups or those thinking about a new venture, in partnership with Go Succeed NI.
Malone House also hosts a free Advanced Tendering workshop on Thursday 1 October (10am-12.30pm), as part of Go Succeed NI, for those keen to win more business through the competitive tender process.
To register for all three events, visit belfastcity.gov.uk/events
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