The continued success of children’s party and education business, ‘Dudes and Divas Entertainment’ has provided two new jobs in Newtownabbey.
The Glengormley business set up by Newtownabbey woman and mum of one, Sarah Craig, offers children’s parties, entertainment and drama classes to families across County Antrim and further afield.
Founder Sarah participated on the OPTIMAL business growth support programme funded by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth & Jobs Northern Ireland Programme. Delivered by Mallusk Enterprise Park, in partnership with Antrim Enterprise and LedCom the programme provided expert mentoring and training opportunities to local businesses and social enterprises.
Of the support received via the OPTIMAL programme Sarah, who now employs five members of staff, said:
“The one to one mentoring meant that I took focused time to work on the business rather than simply being busy working in the business day in and day out. The expert mentor used her experience and insight to help me find additional revenue streams and also develop back check systems and rules to put in place to help sustain solid business growth.”
About Dudes and Divas Entertainment:
Established in 2017 Dudes and Divas Entertainment are a unique children’s party venue and planning service that offers all inclusive themed parties hosted by a talented team of staff based in Glengormley.
The business prides itself on the ability to provide families with an all inclusive experience in a private, child-friendly venue that is suitable for children of all needs and abilities. Keeping inclusivity is at the core of their party offerings. Parents need only pick a theme and bring the children and Dudes and Divas handle all other aspects of throwing the perfect party, from invitations, entertainment, decorations, food and even the party bags.
They have also collaborated with other local businesses to provide additional extras such as personalised cakes.
The unique venue has a main party area with snow and bubble machines, candyfloss machine, food area (which is decorated according to the child’s chosen theme) parents area, toilets and also a sensory room available for those who don’t like the fuss of a party but still like to be involved.
The venue is fully accessible with wheelchair access, disabled toilet, baby changing and plenty of parking space available to party go-ers.
As well as parties, Dudes & Divas also host drama classes, seasonal clubs and other themed event days for children aged 1-11 with an underpinning of helping children grow in confidence. Their unique ‘Girl Gang’ club for girls aged 7-11 educates and empowers young females to be their best selves whilst exploring topics such as friendship, inspiring women in history and kindness through crafts, games and stories.
Dudes & Divas is also available for private hire and has supported a number of other small businesses in the local area with customers of the same demographic. Their purpose is community over competition and they love to see other small businesses thrive in this current difficult economic climate.
Find out more about this local business on their Facebook page, Instagram for Business page or via Twitter.
About Mallusk Enterprise Park:
Established in 1992, Mallusk Enterprise Park is a local enterprise agency located in Newtownabbey. Operating as a social enterprise, Mallusk Enterprise Park is committed to supporting individuals and businesses in the Newtownabbey area, throughout each and every stage of their entrepreneurial journey. Through various programmes, events, initiatives and available spaces, the experienced business advisory team at Mallusk Enterprise Park provide advice, guidance and resources to help entrepreneurs realise their business goals.
Mallusk Enterprise Park operates from a purpose-built business park offering 50,000 square feet of workspace, office accommodation, meeting and conference spaces including private huddle (small 2 to 3 person meeting) rooms, co-working desks and a professional mailing address service to more than 60 local businesses and their 250+ employees.
About the OPTIMAL Business Growth Support Programme:
The OPTIMAL Programme is Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s principal business support and growth programme. It provides free, tailored business support in the form of workshops and specialist mentoring to support the development of a more prosperous economy within the Council area. Mentoring is a proactive way to stop and take stock of your enterprise and think about what you’re doing.
Who can apply?
Small to medium sized businesses and social enterprises with a registered business address in the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area.
This project is part-funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth & Jobs Northern Ireland (2014-2020) Programme.
The OPTIMAL Programme is not currently open for new applications. To stay informed by email about business growth support programmes for entrepreneurs, businesses and social enterprises in the Newtownabbey area, join the Mallusk Enterprise Park mailing list: ‘Newsletter Sign Up’