The Minister was speaking at the launch of a report into the work of Enterprise North East.

The report, entitled "Supporting Economic Development Across the North East", highlights the economic benefits resulting from co-operation and partnerships between local enterprise agencies in the region.

The report shows that in the past five years, Enterprise North East has, on behalf of Invest NI, delivered business start-up training to 3,247 people, helped 2,285 business start-ups and supported 3,850 existing businesses. It currently provides over 345,600 sq ft of commercial premises that house some 229 businesses, which employ 1,175 staff.

Speaking at the event in Larne, Minister Dodds commended the work of Enterprise North East. He said: "Northern Ireland is a small business economy, with over 99% of our businesses employing fewer than 50 staff. Our local enterprise agencies provide an important support network for these businesses and for entrepreneurs wanting to set up a business.

"By taking a collaborative approach, such as Enterprise North East has done, enterprise agencies can ensure that businesses get the best and most extensive range of advice and support across training, mentoring, consultancy and infrastructure. This will promote enterprise and innovation and help businesses increase competitiveness and profitability."

Enterprise North East is made up of a group of enterprise agencies consisting of Larne Enterprise Development Company Limited (LEDCOM - Larne), Ballymena Business Centre, Acorn The Business Centre (Ballymoney), Causeway Enterprise (Coleraine), Moyle Enterprise Company (Ballycastle), Antrim Enterprise Agency and Carrickfergus Enterprise.
Marc McGerty, Manager of Moyle Enterprise Company, was a main speaker at the event.

He said, "Over the past 5 years the Local Enterprise Agencies in the North East have helped new businesses create nearly 6,000 jobs, and independent evaluations indicate that these new businesses have generated a staggering £135million impact on the North East economy."

"In Moyle in 2007 we helped 74 new businesses to start up, creating 207 jobs and generating nearly £5million of new business for the Moyle economy. Moyle now proudly boasts one of the highest levels self employment in Northern Ireland, and in 4 years we have moved from being one of the least entrepreneurial districts in Northern Ireland to the most vibrant and enterprising council area."