Explore the findings from the NI Enterprise Barometer 2025 Survey.
Explore the findings from the NI Enterprise Barometer 2025 Survey.
Ambitious plans are progressing to acquire additional property to expand capacity, strengthen employability pathways and support even more entrepreneurs across North Belfast in 2026. The North Belfast Business Series will also evolve into a structured programme of free events from April 2026, providing practical guidance and tailored support for aspiring entrepreneurs, early-stage founders, and established business owners alike.
Building on the success of 2025’s North Belfast Community Partnership Educational Bursary Award, an expanded awards programme is also planned for 2026, celebrating even more local learners, entrepreneurs, and business leaders who are driving progress across the area.
In 2025, one of North City’s proudest achievements was helping establish the North Belfast Community Partnership, bringing together community organisations, businesses, and key decision-makers to focus on long-term, inclusive economic growth for the area.
Through this partnership, two North Belfast Business Breakfasts were delivered six months apart, creating meaningful engagement opportunities for more than 75 local businesses. These events provided a platform for business owners to shape priorities, connect directly with stakeholders and contribute to a more coordinated and joined-up economic plan for North Belfast.
Another major highlight was coordinating and supporting Young Enterprise Northern Ireland with a pilot in partnership with Belfast Boys’ Model School. Designed for pupils aged 11 to 14 who are at risk of disengagement, the programme connected classroom learning with real local businesses. It helped build confidence, develop early enterprise skills and raise awareness of self-employment pathways among young people in the community.
North City also launched the North Belfast Community Partnership Educational Bursary Award, supported by partners including Ashton Community Trust, Newington Housing Association, and Belfast City Council. Recipients were recognised across lifelong learning, university, apprenticeships and upskilling pathways, a powerful demonstration of the area’s commitment to investing in local talent and potential.
A special milestone was also celebrated in 2025, as Operations Manager Sarah Smith marked 25 years of dedicated service, a reflection of the long-term commitment and leadership that underpin North City’s impact in the community.
Bill Atkinson, CEO, North City Business Centre, said: “North City Business Centre exists to serve the community of North Belfast, and 2025 demonstrated what can be achieved when organisations, businesses, and local leaders come together with a shared purpose. The creation of the North Belfast Community Partnership has provided a strong foundation for inclusive economic growth, ensuring local voices shape the future of the area.
“From supporting young people through Young Enterprise Northern Ireland to investing in learners and entrepreneurs through our bursary awards, we are committed to creating clear pathways from education to enterprise. Our plans for 2026, including expanding our space and developing a structured North Belfast Business Series, will allow us to reach more people, strengthen employability and build an even more connected and resilient local economy.”
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