Minister encourages applications to business start-up programme for people with disabilities
Date published:
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has encouraged applications to the only customised entrepreneurship programme for people with disabilities available in Ireland.
Hosted and delivered by TU Dublin, the Self Employment for Persons with Disabilities Programme helps break down barriers by giving disabled people the skills and support to develop as entrepreneurs.
It was made available in Northern Ireland for the first time in 2025 through a collaboration between the Department for the Economy, Go Succeed and Disability Action. This is its second year of operation here.
The Minister said:
“I am delighted that, following a very successful first year of operating in the north, applications are now open for a second intake of this important programme.
“End of course feedback for this programme is incredibly positive, with 100% of students stating they would recommend it. It is the only customised entrepreneurship programme for people with disabilities available in Ireland, directly addressing the unique and often overlooked challenges that disabled entrepreneurs face on their journey to business ownership.”
The 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. The programme is specifically designed for people at the early stages of developing a business idea. Lectures take place online every week for 12 weeks, running from September through to December. Participants also have the opportunity to receive an accredited award upon completion. Fully funded by AIB, the programme is free to all participants.
Applications are open now until 17 July 2026. Successful applicants will be selected based solely on the quality of their business idea.
Thomas Cooney Course Director said:
"We have seen over five years what this programme does for people — it opens doors that many participants never believed were open to them. Launching here at Stormont in our second year of welcoming applicants from Northern Ireland sends a clear message: wherever you live on this island, and whatever barriers you face, your business idea deserves a chance."
Notes to editors:
- Photo Caption: Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald is pictured with George Healy (Go Succeed, Belfast City Council), Prof Thomas Cooney (Technological University Dublin), and Marty McLaughlin (Disability Action) to launch this year’s programme.
- More information on this programme, including how to apply, is available on the TU Dublin website at here.
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