Project to help realise untapped potential of micro enterprise sector on both sides of the border

A new cross border business development programme, that aims to assist and grow the important micro enterprise sector across Northern Ireland and in the border counties of Louth, Monaghan, Cavan, Leitrim, Sligo and Donegal, was launched today (Friday 5 March) at an information event  held in the Glenavon Hotel, Cookstown by the Tradelinks Network.

Promoted under the campaign banner of ‘Tradelinks’, the programme has received £3m worth of funding from the European Union’s INTERREG IVA Programme to help support the micro enterprise sector.  Tradelinks is a partnership initiative delivered by Enterprise NI, the network of local Enterprise Agencies and the Border County Enterprise Boards. It is also supported by both governments, through the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. 

The overarching aim of Tradelinks programme is to assist 550 micro businesses on both sides of the border to identify and address barriers to cross border trade and development.  Using a portfolio of business development and support tools, experienced business advisers will work hand-in-hand with business owners to assist them to become more sustainable and competitive with a view to developing cross border trade opportunities and linkages as well as helping to generate greater added value, earnings and wealth within their local communities.

Speaking at the launch, Howard Keery, Director of the Joint Technical Secretariat within the Special EU Programmes Body which manages the INTERREG IVA Programme, said:  “The Tradelinks programme is an excellent example of an EU supported initiative that will create direct benefits for micro-enterprises on a cross-border basis. Designed to help overcome many of the challenges faced by business owners, particularly in today’s tough economic landscape, it will enhance their competitiveness by providing the support and assistance they need to grow and develop.”

Speaking about the Programme, Ken Nelson, Chairman, Enterprise NI said: “This is the second Tradelinks programme delivered by the LEA/CEB network and we hope that it mirrors the successes of the first programme.  The quality and the variety of support which we believe Tradelinks offers the micro-enterprise sector is testament to the time, commitment and consideration that has gone into providing a programme which will benefit all those companies participating.”

Michael Tunney, Chief Executive of Donegal County Enterprise Board and Joint-chair of the Tradelinks Management Committee, commented, “The outcome of the collaboration between the Border County Enterprise Boards and Enterprise NI resulted in a very successful Tradelinks1 Programme.  That support, to over 680 micro businesses across the 12 county regions, led to the creation of more than 800 new jobs and in excess of €50m of new sales.”

Mr Tunney continued, “Although the economic climate has changed significantly over the last two years, it is now more important than ever before that businesses look at new markets both in geographical and sectoral terms. The Tradelinks programme is designed to assist the micro-enterprise sector to pursue new opportunities with the help of a network of over 300 business mentors and advisors.”

The Tradelinks Programme will be in operation until June 2012 and is available to any micro enterprise in Northern Ireland or the border counties of the Republic of Ireland. Anyone interested in getting involved should contact their Local Enterprise Agency or County Enterprise Board. Contact details and further programme information can be obtained by visiting www.tradelinks2.com or contact bronagh.mcculla@townsend.co.uk