Applications for the Self-Employment for Persons with Disabilities Programme are open until 31 July 2025.
The Self-Employment for Persons with Disabilities Programme is a new business support initiative for people with disabilities in Northern Ireland. The programme aims to break down barriers and ensure that disabled people have access to the skills and support they need to become successful entrepreneurs.
The Self-Employment for Persons with Disabilities Programme is being made available to people in Northern Ireland for the first time following a collaboration with the Department for the Economy, Go Succeed and Disability Action.
Who can apply?
The Self-Employment for Persons with Disabilities Programme is open to disabled people, including those with visible, invisible, sensory, learning, mental health or neurodivergent conditions, who wish to start their own business.
How does the programme work?
The programme is specially designed for people at the early stages of developing a business idea. Lectures take place online every 12 weeks, running from September through to December 2025. Participants also have the opportunity to receive an accredited award upon completion.
The programme is fully funded by AIB.
How to apply
The programme is significantly oversubscribed each year, so early applications are advised.
Apply for the Self-Employment for Persons with Disabilities Programme.
The deadline for applications is 1159pm on Thursday 31 July 2025.
Successful applicants will be selected based solely on the quality of their business idea.
First published 9 June 2025.