Belfast business support

If you are considering starting a business, you can get free start-up support from Belfast City Council.

Go Succeed Start

If 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, Belfast City Council's 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.

This support is available to anyone interested in starting a business. Complete a short enquiry form or call 0800 027 0639 to register for free advice and guidance from Belfast City Council.

Start-up and early-stage business support programmes

Belfast City Council runs or part-funds business support programmes to help you start a business. Current programmes include:

Fintech Support Programme

Support for early-stage innovation, start-up activity and scaling for Belfast-based Fintech companies - find out more about the Fintech Support Programme.

Social enterprise and co-operative support

Help for setting up a new social enterprise or co-operative including advice, networking opportunities, coaching and workshops - find out more about social enterprise and co-operative support.

Test Trading opportunities at St George’s Market

Opportunity for businesses to test trade their products or promote their services at St George’s Market - find out more about the test trading opportunities.

Test Trading opportunities at the Kennedy Centre

Belfast City Council offers businesses the chance to trial their products or services at the Kennedy Centre, a busy shopping venue. Up to 30 businesses can test trade up to five times between 21 October 2024 and 31 March 2025 (excluding December 2024). Find out more about the test trading opportunities at the Kennedy Centre. 

My New Business

My New Business is a free online service that covers everything you need to start, plan and run a business. It has checklists, videos, tools, tutorials and case studies to help you get your business started - find out more about My New Business.

Get a business licence

You may need a licence to operate certain types of business in Belfast City Council. Find more information on how to apply for business licences on the Belfast City Council website.