Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Stephen Moutray has visited a number of businesses across the borough, highlighting the impact of council-led investment and support programmes that are helping local enterprises to grow, innovate and thrive.
During the visits, the Lord Mayor met with business owners from a range of sectors, gaining first-hand insight into how targeted financial support, expert advice and collaborative initiatives are strengthening the local economy, enhancing sustainability and driving long-term development.
The visits showcased tangible outcomes of several key business support schemes delivered by ABC Council and its partners. Collectively, these initiatives have supported hundreds of businesses, unlocked significant levels of investment and enabled companies to improve productivity, embrace digital transformation and expand their operations.
Among the programmes highlighted was Go Succeed, which continues to provide a vital gateway to expert advice for both new and established businesses. Through one-to-one mentoring, workshops and access to grant funding, the programme has supported over 115 local businesses in recent funding calls, generating more than £600,000 in total investment. Businesses have used this support to invest in specialist equipment and digital solutions, improving efficiency and competitiveness.
The DAERA Rural Business Development Grant Scheme has also delivered substantial impact, supporting rural micro-businesses to develop, recover and become more sustainable. In the current funding year alone, council has administered grant support to 168 businesses totalling over £810,000, helping to generate approximately £1.8 million in wider economic investment. Since its inception, the scheme has supported 231 rural businesses, reinforcing the importance of the rural economy to the ABC Borough.
The Council’s own ABC Enterprise Grant Fund continues to play a key role in supporting micro-business growth, with 114 businesses receiving funding totalling approximately £345,725.47 in the latest call. This investment is enabling businesses to expand, modernise and build resilience in a competitive marketplace.
Further support through initiatives such as the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund has enabled businesses to invest in new technologies, with over £375,000 already leveraged into the local economy, while ongoing Town Centre Retail Workshops are equipping traders with the skills needed to attract and retain customers in an evolving retail landscape.
The borough has also benefited from strong collaborative initiatives, including Global Enterprise Week, which brought together over 240 participants across a series of events, and the Shop ABC Gift Card, which is driving local spend and supporting town centre businesses, particularly during peak trading periods.
In addition, the Food Heartland programme continues to champion the agri-food sector, supporting producers, fostering innovation and promoting local products to wider markets through targeted events and industry engagement.
Alongside business-focused initiatives, the Council’s Labour Market Partnership is delivering a range of programmes designed to improve employability and connect people with opportunities. This includes job fairs, sector-specific recruitment events and dedicated training programmes that support individuals to develop skills, access employment and meet the needs of local employers – further strengthening the borough’s economic growth.
Speaking during the visits, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Stephen Moutray said:
“It is incredibly encouraging to see the ambition, resilience and innovation of our local businesses. Through our range of support programmes, we are not only investing in individual enterprises but also strengthening our wider economy and communities.
“These initiatives are making a real difference, helping businesses to grow, create jobs, embrace sustainability and plan for the future. The Council remains committed to supporting businesses at every stage of their journey.”
The Council continues to encourage businesses and entrepreneurs to take advantage of the wide range of support available. From mentoring and skills development to financial assistance and networking opportunities, there are programmes tailored to meet a variety of needs.
For further information on business support programmes, contact Council’s Economic Development Services Department on 028 38 312 571 or email
