Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Local Economic Partnership Leadership and Management Programme

The ABC Local Economic Partnership (ABC LEP)

Launched in June 2025, the ABC LEP brings together six equal partners:

 ABC Council

 Local Enterprise Partners

 Southern Regional College

 Community & Voluntary Sector Panel

 ABC Labour Market Partnership

 ABC Business Partnership Alliance

The LEP is funded by the DfE Regional Balance Fund (£4.509m, 2025-2028) and is tasked with addressing structural economic barriers and designing local interventions.

The Action Plan focuses on three priority themes:

1. Land Availability & Development (capital)
2. Business Workspace Development (capital)
3. Supporting Business Growth (revenue)

The Leadership and Management programme is an important strand of theme three, Supporting Business Growth.

The programme is open to leaders working in a micro, small, and social enterprises (up to 50 employees) from all sectors in Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council area with a 12-month minimum trading history.

Organisations may form a consortium, where necessary, to meet the requirements of the contract.