Search for entrepreneurs

A campaign has been launched to encourage would-be entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland to start their own businesses.

Invest Northern Ireland launched its Go For It campaign on Friday, which will be supported by a major advertising push.

The province's main government-backed investment body is to provide support for people so they can turn their ideas into actual businesses.

It wants more businesses to be created to strengthen the economy, generate jobs and create a wealthier society.

Professor Terri Scott, managing director of entrepreneurship and enterprise at Invest NI, said: "Our aim is to make setting up a business a real option for many more people, from many different walks of life."

We need to appreciate business talent as much as we appreciate music stars and footballers Patrick Kielty

She said entrepreneurship was not just about big business.

"Anyone setting up any size of business should consider themselves an entrepreneur and be proud of themselves, and we should be proud of them."

Professor Scott acknowledged fears of taking risks and of failure were often a problem, but said the adverts aimed to produce a change in cultural attitudes to entrepreneurial activity.

"The ads aim to motivate, to generate energy and enthusiasm, but also to reassure people that there is a very wide and comprehensive network of support out there to help them make their business idea a success," she said.

Speaking at the launch, television star Patrick Kielty said: "We need to appreciate business talent as much as we appreciate music stars and footballers."