Mid and East Antrim Enterprise Week 2025

Monday 17 November     Tuesday 18 November     Wednesday 19 November

Thursday 20 November     Friday 21 November     Saturday 22 November

Wednesday 26 November

Monday 17 November 2025

Develop a Thriving Mindset

Monday 17 November

9am – 1pm

Ecos Hub, Ballymena

Join us for a transformative morning that will inspire fresh thinking, unlock new possibilities, and empower you to develop your mindset as a business owner/leader.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council invite you to a dynamic half-day coaching event designed exclusively for microbusiness and SME leaders across the borough.

This empowering session will explore the importance of your mindset and how that can play a pivotal role in your day-to-day leadership and ability to thrive in business.

Delivered by expert mindset coach, Niall McAlinden of The Thrive Programme®, the event promises to be a thought-provoking practical session, equipping you with tools and strategies to:

• Build resilience in the face of challenges and day to day demands
• Develop a growth-orientated outlook and harness a thriving mindset
• Strengthen confidence and clarity in decision-making

Who should attend?

Entrepreneurs, microbusiness owners, SME leaders, managers eager to strengthen their mind set for growth.

This transformative morning will inspire fresh thinking, unlock new possibilities, and empower leaders to take their business to the next level.

Book your place now through the Glistrr website.

Enterprise and Employability Drop-In Clinic, Carrickfergus

10.30am – 12 noon

Jobs & Benefits Office, Carrickfergus

Drop in to Carrickfergus JBO to find out more about Council’s enterprise and employability supports.

Aimed at residents who have an idea for a new business and want to discover how to turn that idea into reality.

The clinic is also open to those wanting to find out more about the wide range of employment academies and skills programmes on offer.

No appointment needed, simply call in between 10.30am and 12 noon.

Tour Connections

12 noon – 2pm

Dobbs Room, Carrickfergus Town Hall

Tour Connections is a practical workshop designed to help local tour guides harness the power of their smartphones to create engaging content for social media and online platforms.

Participants will learn the basics of smartphone photography and videography, including tips on framing, lighting, and sound, as well as useful accessories to enhance quality.

The session then explores different social media platforms and guides attendees on what types of content work best on each.

A hands-on activity allows tour guides to create their first short video or photo story using free editing apps, with support on adding captions, hashtags, and location tags.

The workshop will also help guides showcase their unique offerings and local knowledge.

Attendees will leave with a toolkit of resources, a content planning template, and the confidence to start promoting their tours online.

The event concludes with a Q&A and networking session to encourage collaboration and idea-sharing among participants.

Book your place now at through the Glistrr website.

Event Launch - The Future of Our Town Centre – Student Pitch Challenge!

Online and on social media throughout the day

During Global Entrepreneurship Week, we will be launching an exciting and inspiring event where creativity meets community vision, 'The Future of Our Town Centre – Student Pitch Challenge'!

This challenge invites students to reimagine the future of their local town centres - Ballymena, Carrickfergus, or Larne - and present their ideas to a panel of “Dragons.”

The competition is open to Years 9 & 10 and Years 11 & 12.

Teams may include up to six students, and schools are welcome to enter multiple teams.

Each team will develop a pitch focused on revitalising their chosen town centre.

Their presentation will be judged by a panel of Dragons, who will be looking for bold ideas, thoughtful analysis, and a clear vision for the future.

For more information or to register your interest, please contact: lisa.burns@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Tuesday 18 November 2025

Ballymena Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Breakfast in partnership with Danske Bank

8.30am – 10am

Galgorm Resort & Spa

Join us for our 2025 Ballymena Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Breakfast in partnership with Danske Bank where we will look at:

• How the NI economy has performed in 2025 and the outlook for 2026
• Drivers of recent moves in foreign exchange and interest rates
• Opportunities for NI and perspectives on NI Business

To register your place, contact tom@ballymenachamber.co.uk

The King’s Trust, Start Your Own Business

12 noon – 1pm

Online

Are you aged 18-30 and interested in starting your own business? 

The King’s Trust free business support can help turn your idea into a reality.

You’ll develop the skills and knowledge you need to launch and grow your business, thanks to one-to-one support, training and mentoring from business experts.

This 60-minute online session will introduce you to the programme and will cover:

• what it involves
• the support that can be offered to you
• instructions on how to apply.  

After the session, you can decide if you’re ready to start your business journey with us! 

Booking will close 24 hours before the session starts.

Book online through The King's Trust website.

Starting a Business from Home

6.30pm – 8pm

Glenarm Village Hall

Are you considering starting a business from your home?

Then join us for this workshop which will provide advice on the practical and legal considerations for home-based businesses and explore how you can get started and grow.

Whether you're dreaming of launching a side hustle or building a full-time business from your living room, this workshop is your perfect first step and will walk you through the essential practical and legal aspects of running a business from home.

Learn how to identify your niche, attract customers, and scale your operations sustainably.

Whether you're just exploring the idea or already taking steps, you'll leave with actionable insights and the confidence to move forward.

Secure your place now by registering through the Glistrr website.

Wednesday 19 November 2025

Innovation Mindset Workshop

10am – 11.30am

Northern Regional College (NRC), Ballymena

Join us at Northern Regional College, Ballymena, for a session designed to explore how innovation can help drive business growth.

During the event, you will participate in interactive discussions around the typical barriers to innovation, before looking at technologies and support available that will challenge your thinking and spark your creativity.

Whether you are already engaging in innovation, or exploring what is possible, this workshop is perfect for anyone looking to think outside the box.

Key takeaways:

• Implement innovation to enhance productivity and commercialisation potential
• Identify potential equipment you may need
• Adopt technologies and support available to future-proof your business

The workshop will also discuss Mid and East Antrim Borough Council's new iLab centre, and you will have an opportunity to help shape what technologies can be placed here that will benefit your business.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, learn new strategies for problem-solving, and ignite your innovative spirit.

To book your place register through the Eventbrite website.

Fit for Business – an International Men’s Day Event

12 noon – 1.30pm

Larne Town Hall

Join us for an energising lunchtime workshop designed to help men unlock the power of physical and mental fitness as a catalyst for business success.

Led by Andrew Falconer, professional injury specialist and fitness coach from Just Active Injury Clinic, this session will explore how movement, posture, and mindset directly influence confidence, leadership presence, and workplace productivity.

Andrew brings a deeply personal perspective, having overcome his own health challenges in recent years.

Hear his inspiring story of how stress manifested physically in his body - and how he rebuilt his health through mindset and movement.

What to expect:

• Insight into common stressors faced by entrepreneurs and business owners
• Practical techniques to boost mental resilience and physical wellbeing
• Real-life strategies to enhance performance and presence in business
• Opportunities to connect with local health support organisations for guidance or confidential chats

Whether you're a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or professional looking to improve your wellbeing, this workshop offers tools and inspiration to help you thrive.

Register your place now through the Glistrr website.

The Ultimate Pitch Final

1pm -  5pm

Seamus Heaney Centre, Bellaghy

The Ultimate Pitch returns for 2025 - and we’re searching for Northern Ireland’s most ambitious entrepreneurs to take centre stage.

Local heats have taken place across Northern Ireland with winners from each council area being invited to make the ‘ultimate pitch’ to an esteemed panel of expert judges at a special event in Seamus Heaney Home Place in Bellaghy.

Winners of sub-categories, which include the Go Succeed Impact Award for the best social enterprise, the Go Succeed Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award, and the Go Succeed Rising Star Award for the most inspiring 16 - 25-year-old entrepreneur, will also receive £1,500 towards their business idea.

Meanwhile, members of the public will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite finalist to win the People’s Choice Award – who will also get a £1,500 cash prize.

For more information visit The Ultimate Pitch - Go Succeed website.

Completing Your HMRC Self-Assessment Tax Return

5.30pm – 8pm

Ballymena Business Centre

The Go Succeed Start team hosts this in-person ‘Completing Your HMRC Self-Assessment Tax Return’ masterclass.

Are you a sole trader or small business owner feeling daunted by the thought of completing your Self-Assessment tax return?

You’re not alone – and this practical masterclass is designed especially for you.

Led by Laureen Cuckson (LC Accountancy Services, Ballymena), this interactive session will walk you through:

• What information and records you need to prepare
• Step-by-step guidance on completing the Self-Assessment form
• Common mistakes to avoid to save you time and money
• Tips to make the process quicker, easier, and less stressful each year

By the end of the session, you’ll feel more confident, better organised, and fully equipped to submit your tax return correctly and on time.

Whether you’re new to self-employment or have been trading for years, this session will help you de-muddle your finances and take the stress out of the tax season!

Register your place now at through the Glistrr website.

Thursday 20 November 2025

Enterprise and Employability Drop-In Clinic, Larne

10.30am – 12 noon

Jobs & Benefits Office, Larne

Drop in to Carrickfergus JBO to find out more about Council’s enterprise and employability supports.

Aimed at residents who have an idea for a new business and want to discover how to turn that idea into reality.

The clinic is also open to those wanting to find out more about the wide range of employment academies and skills programmes on offer.

No appointment needed, simply call in between 10.30am and 12 noon.

Enterprising Women: Selling With Confidence Workshop

Carrickfergus Enterprise

10.30am – 2pm

Tina O’Hagan is a distinguished business owner and entrepreneur with extensive expertise in selling commercial equipment products to the hospitality and food industry internationally, specifically in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and the USA.

She has successfully established and operated distribution companies in Ireland and Australia, and has now launched a sales training and mentoring business, aiming to impart her vast knowledge of selling to others. 

We are delighted that Tina will be joining us to provide a practical and highly interactive sales training session that will include topics such as:

• Overcoming the fear of selling
• How to create a sales pipeline from a blank sheet
• How to nurture customer relationships and increase sales
• Keeping it all together self-development check-in

This is an Enterprising Women event – members only will receive invite directly via email. 

If you are not a member but would like to be, contact E: kelli@ceal.co.uk

Behind the Mission

– stories from the heart of our social enterprises

On social media throughout the day.

In honour of Social Enterprise Day, we're proud to present a powerful video series that shines a spotlight on the inspiring work of local social enterprises across the borough.

These short films capture the passion, purpose, and people behind businesses that are changing lives and strengthening communities in our borough.

Watch, share, and be part of the movement.

Friday 21 November 2025

SNACK ATTACK Primary School Competition Winner

On social media throughout the day

In September Mid and East Antrim Borough Council invited all P4 and P5 pupils to get creative in the kitchen and classroom to challenge young minds to design a brand-new healthy snack alongside a poster to promote their amazing idea. 

Watch on social media as we announce the winners of this exciting competition!

Saturday 22 November 2025

Ballymena Business Centre Business Roadshow

Midtown Makers Business Hub, 51-53 Church Street, Ballymena

11am – 2pm

As part of Global Entrepreneurship Week 2025, Ballymena Business Centre is hosting a Free Business Roadshow sponsored by The Gallaher Trust on Saturday 22 November 2025. 

This informal event is designed to inspire, connect, and support local entrepreneurs.

Whether you are thinking about starting your own business or looking to grow an existing one, this event offers a valuable opportunity to access expert advice, practical guidance, and local support all under one roof.

The roadshow will bring together experienced business mentors from a range of local organisations ready to answer questions, share insights, and help you take your next steps with confidence.

From business planning and funding options to marketing and growth strategies, there is something here for every stage of the entrepreneurial journey.

So, if you have a business idea ready to launch or ambitions to expand your current venture, don’t miss this chance to get the right support and make the right connections.

Join Ballymena Business Centre during Global Entrepreneurship Week 2025 and be part of a global celebration of innovation and enterprise - right here in the heart of our town centre community.

Admission is free, and everyone is welcome — Register today by completing the online 2025 Business Roadshow Jotform.

Carrickfergus Artisan Market

Carrickfergus Town Hall

1pm – 5.30pm

Join us in Carrickfergus on Saturday 22 November, 1pm - 5.30pm for a special Artisan Market as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week and the town’s festive Light Switch On!

Discover and support incredible local entrepreneurs, from talented bakers and candle makers to crochet, crafts, wax melts and more.

With a wide range of unique stalls, it’s the perfect opportunity to pick up something special, meet the makers, and celebrate creativity in our community.

Wednesday 26 November 2025

What You Need to Know About Social Enterprise

LEDCOM, Willowbank Business Park

10am – 12noon

The Go Succeed Start team hosts this in-person ‘What You Need to Know About Social Enterprise’ masterclass.

Are you passionate about creating change — and ready to turn that passion into a sustainable business?

This is an interactive workshop designed for people aspiring to build businesses that do good and do well.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore your idea or ready to take the next step, this session will equip you with the tools confidence and signposting to launch your social enterprise.

Topics Covered:

• Social Enterprise vs. Charity vs. Traditional Business
• Legal Structures & Choosing the Best Fit for Your Mission
• Registration & Governance
• Funding Options & Financial Sustainability
• Signposting to other support

Secure your place now at through the Glistrr website.

Our Enterprise Week Partners

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council are very grateful to our partners for collaborating on our programme of events.

• Ballymena Chamber
• Danske Bank
• Kings Trust
• Ballymena Business Centre
• Carrick Enterprise
• NRC
• LEDCOM
• Go Succeed
• Funded by Uk Government
• LMP
• DfC
• Gallaher trust