Ulster Bank to Host Free Event for Derry Entrepreneurs

Ulster Bank is hosting a free Discovery Session for entrepreneurs and business owners in Derry / Londonderry tomorrow.

Representatives from the Ulster Bank Entrepreneur Accelerator Programme will run an information day on Wednesday 24th January at the AMP Growth Incubator in Derry’s Ebrington Square and are encouraging local entrepreneurs interested in scaling their business to come along and find out how the programme could support their growth.

The Ulster Bank Entrepreneur Accelerator programme is a fully funded support initiative designed to help local businesses to scale and grow and is currently accepting applications from right across Northern Ireland.

Successful applicants will receive coaching from dedicated acceleration managers as well as full use of the Hub’s modern co-working spaces, access to a calendar of networking events, one-to-one coaching, and the opportunity to join a community of like-minded peers, specialists, mentors and Ulster Bank colleagues.

The Discovery session will also provide an opportunity to meet with entrepreneurs currently on the Accelerator programme including Derry-based founder, Kerona Hasson.

A former lawyer, Kerona embarked on a new path in 2021, opening Doganic Barkery – an artisan healthy bake shop for dogs. Born out of her passion for healthy eating and love of dogs, Doganic Barkery serves up celebration cakes, snacks, and other treats for pets available to purchase at local markets or directly through the company website.

Speaking ahead of the discovery session, Kerona said since joining the accelerator programme she has been able to explore new avenues for growth and has ambitious plans for the bakery in 2024.

“Thanks to the support of the team at the Ulster Bank Accelerator programme, my business has grown significantly this year. I’ve been able to sign new contracts, boost cash flow and spent a great deal of time revamping the digital side of the business, launching a new website which has really helped to propel our growth.

“But the biggest thing has been in terms of my own personal development. As someone relatively new to the business world, it’s been so reassuring to have the support of this team around me, and it’s given me the confidence to say yes to new opportunities, have a solid strategy in place and make the whole process of starting a new business a less lonely and daunting experience.”

Applications for the March 2024 cohort are currently open and will close mid-February. To apply to their first programme, entrepreneurs do not need to be Ulster Bank customers.

Since its launch in 2015, the Accelerator Hub has supported almost 1,000 businesses across Northern Ireland.

Nicola Woods, Local Enterprise Manager at Ulster Bank said: “We know there is a huge amount of entrepreneurial talent and spirit in the northwest region and we are keen that our next cohort of applicants is reflective of this. We want to let local entrepreneurs with growth ambition know that we have the tools and networks to help them succeed – whether that means scaling an existing business or getting a new company off the ground.

“It’s so important that we continue to champion entrepreneurial talent and I’m confident that our next cohort of applicants will grow and evolve into the successful, thriving companies our local economy needs to thrive.

Ulster Bank representatives will be available for drop-ins from 11am-3pm at the AMP centre. To reserve a slot or for more information click HERE

To begin the application process for the next intake to the Accelerator Programme visit www.ulsterbank.co.uk/accelerator