Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, pictured alongside Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Councillor Oliver McMullan and Michael McKeown on a visit to Healy McKeown Architects in Kilrea.
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA has praised the transformative impact of Go Succeed, Northern Ireland’s free business support service, following a visit to Healy McKeown Architects in Kilrea.
The firm, which recently received both mentorship and grant funding through Go Succeed, has been able to accelerate its growth plans, expand into new markets, and create additional local employment opportunities.
Delivered across Northern Ireland’s 11 local councils, Go Succeed provides entrepreneurs, start-ups, and established businesses with accessible advice and support.
The service offers a range of initiatives including masterclasses, one-to-one mentorship, peer networks, grant funding, and comprehensive business planning support at every stage of a company’s development.
Since its launch, Go Succeed has directly engaged over 59,000 individuals and businesses, acting as a key catalyst for economic growth throughout Northern Ireland. More than £5.4 million in grants have been awarded to help businesses scale operations and invest in technology and equipment to drive efficiency.
The programme is backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which recently committed an additional £9.2 million to continue supporting Go Succeed until March 2026.
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said:
“I am delighted to visit Healy McKeown Architects and see firsthand Go Succeed’s positive impact. Supporting small businesses to grow is vital in creating a more regionally balanced economy and I commend Go Succeed in achieving this.
“Go Succeed has supported thousands of start-ups and small businesses to grow, scale and create good jobs throughout the north and I believe its economic momentum should be financially supported. I would reiterate my call to the British government to provide certainty around its financial funding now and into the future.”
Michael McKeown of Healy McKeown Architects added:
“We were pleased to host the Economy Minister to showcase the incredible impact that Go Succeed has had on our business.
“Through the service we received 15 hours of mentorship that has helped us particularly to supercharge our marketing and website.
“The grant funding allowed us to invest in a new computer system – improving our capability, and enabling us to fully realise our growth plans both in terms of entering new markets and creating job opportunities locally.”
Cllr Oliver McMullan, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, commented:
“Healy McKeown Architects is a fantastic example of the real impact that Go Succeed is having on businesses, not only in Causeway Coast and Glens, but across the North of Ireland.
“We have a wealth of talent here in our Council area resulting in businesses with a tremendous sense of entrepreneurial spirit and drive. It is vital that their hard work is continued to be supported and nurtured through services such as Go Succeed, ensuring that our business community can flourish, drive growth, and create jobs and opportunities for all of us.”
Businesses across Northern Ireland can explore how Go Succeed can help their growth plans by visiting www.go-succeed.com.