Business Support Scheme

The Business Support Scheme (BSS) is an initiative of the Department of Economic Development (DED) designed to help businesses develop their business skills and management competencies. The Scheme offers a grant of 50% towards the cost of projects in a wide range of business disciplines up to a maximum level of assistance of £4500 per project. The range of services on offer to businesses include expert consultancy to deliver complete business solutions, including hardware and software where appropriate, and strategic business development advice including mentorship. The Business Support Scheme encompasses ten key disciplines that cover all aspects of business. These are:

Marketing
Design
E-Business
Environmental Efficiency
Human Resources Development
Quality
Operations Management
Business and Strategic Planning
Information Communication Technology/ Information Systems
Business & Financial Management Controls

Each BSS project delivers a complete business solution in any of the business disciplines above. The Scheme Guidelines and Application Form can also be found at the bottom of this page.

How does the Business Support Scheme work?

Once you have applied for assistance under the BSS the Scheme Manager will arrange for a Business Development Consultant (BDC) to visit you to carry out a free of charge strategic reveiw of your business. This review will be made available to you in the form of a report, which is yours to keep.

If you wish to proceed with a BSS project, you will need to select a Project Consultant from 'Consultant's Links/Information'. A copy of the BDC's report will be sent to the Scheme Manager BSS who will ensure adherence to all requirements.

NOTE: The Business Development Consultant and any Project Consultant subsequently appointed are independent contrators and are not employees of the Department. The Department will not be a party to any subsequent contract entered inot between the business and Project Consultant.

The consultant will then work with you in order to formulate a detailed project, and to produce an agreed contract.

The BSS Manager will approve the contract, and be available to help at all times.

Once complete the Department will pay 50% of the cost of the project to a maximum of £4500 assistance. You will pay the other 50%. No payment will be made until you are satisfied with the work carried out.

For further information on the Business Support Scheme, please contact Mike Corkhill on 682326, or view the Scheme Guidelines, which provides you with all the relevant information.

Downloadable Documents