E81: Empowering Entrepreneurs to start their business: Go For It NI

In this episode of The Digg Podcast we discuss the entrepreneurial journey and the challenges that go along with that. We also discuss the rewards and benefits of being self employed. 

This episode is brought to you in partnership with GoFor It so there will be lots of advice and inspiration for others who may be listening who have an idea about starting a business. 

Go For It Entrepreneurs:

Melanie Harrison, Founder of The Harrison Chambers of Distinction

Melanie Harrison is a Belfast Entrepreneur who opened The Harrison Chambers of Distinction back in 2021 thanks to the help of the Go For It programme. Melanie credits her love of travel for the decision to open her own hotel as it was when she returned home from travelling that she realised what a great place Belfast is and therefore wanted to tell the stories of the city and its people. The Harrison Chambers of Distinction are restored, landmark Victorian merchants’ residences dating from 1879 and have been designed to serve the culturally curious traveller.

https://www.chambersofdistinction.com/

John McCourt, Founder of Big Phat Beard

John McCourt is an entrepreneur from Newtownabbey who launched his business Big Phat Beard back in 2020. Having been made redundant from the local automotive industry, John decided to turn his hobby of creating his own beard oils and balms into his own range of premium quality beard care products for passionate beardsmen across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Big Phat Beard offers a selection of premium beard oils and beard balms in a variety of scents all made with natural ingredients and no artificial additives, as well as a range of branded merchandise including t-shirts,beanie-hats and trucker caps

https://www.bigphatbeard.com/

Ryan Tracey, Founder of Duff Land

Ryan Tracey is a former children’s entertainer and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist who launched his successful soft play area business, Duff Land in 2022 thanks to help from the Go For It programme.

Duff Land is an acronym for Dream Up Fantastic Fun and was developed after years of Ryan working as a children’s entertainer. The decision to start Duff Land was based on a choice; to follow his passion and become a business owner or continue his path in employment.

https://www.dufflandni.co.uk/

Maia White, Founder of The Ticket Bakehouse

Maia White is a young baker and entrepreneur from Cullybackey who turned her passion for cakes and coffee into a thriving local café called The Ticket Bakehouse thanks to the help from the Go For It programme. Opened in 2022, Maia has always had passion for food, and knew she wanted to work within the culinary space. At only 22, Maia has created a popular local café located at Cullybackey train station which offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, freshly ground coffee, and delicious baked goods.

@theticketbakehouse on social media

Go For It Business Advisor - Caolan Campbell

Caolan Campbell is an experienced Business Advisor who manages the Go For It Programme for Enterprise North West and has a passion for new business start-up and business growth. Caolan provides an insight into how the Go For It programme can help would-be entrepreneurs learn the strategies, tactics and tips to help turn a business dream into a reality.

https://www.goforitni.com/

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