WHAT IS HOME START?

Home Start is a range of support aimed at new businesses which will be employing two or more people and selling a product or service within Northern Ireland.

It offers the following elements which can be adapted to your needs:

• BUSINESS ADVICE & COUNSELLING
• BUSINESS START TRAINING
• FINANCIAL SUPPORT

BUSINESS ADVICE & COUNSELLING

LEDU, through its Business Counselling Service provides experienced advisers who will guide you through the stages of setting up in business. A dedicated LEDU Executive will also be on hand to work with you and help you to develop your business.

The opinions and advice of counsellors are impartial and independent of any organisation, including LEDU.

The Business Counselling Service is available to anyone in Northern Ireland running a small business, or planning to start a new business, of any description.

BUSINESS START TRAINING

Business Start Training will provide you with the basic skills and direction you need to get started in business.

This training is available through the Local Enterprise Agency (LEA) Network, and is free of charge to anyone considering or interested in starting their own business.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Depending on your proposal Home Start can provide a total package of assistance up to a maximum of £20,000, made up as follows:

• Maximum of £8,000 for the first two lobs.
• Maximum of £8,000 for the next four jobs.
• Maximum of £4,000 for necessary development work for the project.

LEDU funding will normally not exceed 40% of the overall cost of the project.