Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is inviting local businesses to explore new export opportunities in Europe through an EU Trade Programme with the option of trade missions to either the Czech Republic or the Netherlands.
Applications are now open for both trade missions, which are designed to help growth-orientated businesses identify new market opportunities, build strategic partnerships and develop international trade links in their choice of two key European markets.
Businesses can apply for the programme and to attend the launch by registering here: nitc.eu/lccc-eu-trade-programme.
Delivered in partnership with Northern Ireland Trade Consultants (NITC), the programme will provide participating businesses with tailored market intelligence, in-market promotion, bespoke business-to-business matchmaking and introductions to potential customers and partners.
Participants will also benefit from trade missions to Prague in December 2026 or the Randstad region of the Netherlands in January 2027.
To launch the initiative, the Council will host a breakfast event at Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn, on Tuesday 15th September from 8.30am to 10.00am. Attending businesses will have the opportunity to hear directly from export specialists and gain insights into the opportunities available in both markets.
Chair of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council's Regeneration & Growth Committee, Alderman James Baird, said: "Supporting local businesses to grow and access new markets is a key priority for the Council. This new EU Trade Programme will give local companies access to practical support, expert advice and valuable business contacts to help them explore opportunities in Europe.
"Whether a business is considering exporting for the first time or looking to expand its international footprint, I would encourage them to apply for the programme and attend the launch event to find out more."
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: "Regional balance is a central pillar of my economic vision and ensuring all businesses here have the opportunity to access new markets. I am delighted that through my Department’s support of Local Economic Partnerships, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council has access to the Regional Balance Fund to empower businesses in their local area to grow and seek access to new markets across Europe.”
Following the launch event, participating businesses will be invited to attend one-to-one assessment meetings to discuss their international ambitions and suitability for the programme.
Successful applicants will be confirmed in October before commencing a programme of market research and trade development activity.
The EU Trade Programme is being delivered by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council as part of the area's Local Economic Partnership Action Plan, with funding from the Department for the Economy through the Regional Balance Fund.
Businesses interested in attending the breakfast launch event and applying for the programme can register at nitc.eu/lccc-eu-trade-programme.