It’s Good News Friday as we celebrate Enterprise North West partnering with Ulster Bank to support investment opportunities for entrepreneurs!

Ulster Bank operate a purpose-led strategy to support enterprise funding across Northern Ireland. This new partnership aligns with Ulster Bank’s commitment to increasing representation for females and ethnic minorities within the field of entrepreneurship in Northern Ireland.

The Rose Review, first published in 2018, revealed that only 13% of senior people in UK investment teams are women, while nearly half of investment teams have no women whatsoever. Ulster Banks’ funding has supported almost 1,500 women across Northern Ireland through involvement with the programmes it has supported.

Speaking on the enterprise fund, John Ferris, Regional Ecosystem Manager with Ulster Bank, said: “Since the publication of the Rose Review, Ulster Bank has made a clear commitment to levelling the playing field so that anyone who wants to become an entrepreneur can have those ambitions realised, regardless of their gender, ethnicity or location.”

With locations in Skeoge and Ebrington Square, Enterprise North West has been operating for more than 30 years in the provision of specialist business support and consultancy services. As a non-profit social enterprise, the organisation specializes in early-stage business support, social enterprise support and have recently added a digital consultancy arm to their services.

Brian O’Neill, Director of Development and Enterprise at Enterprise North West, said “We are delighted to partner with Ulster Bank in rolling out this new initiative. This programme will allow us to provide pre-start support and opportunities to female students from NI’s Further Education colleges who have the bright ideas and skill set to start their own business.”

Finally, in other fantastic news this week, the key dates for the High Street Voucher Scheme have been announced! The online portal for applications opens on 27 September, with the public able to spend their £100 cards until the 30 November. This Scheme will be a huge boost to our retailers and independent traders. Once the card arrives through your letterbox, we would strongly encourage you to spend local and support North West businesses!