Processes for monitoring the performance of this pilot programme and its outputs are essential for the evaluation of the impact of this programme and assessing the potential impact of any subsequent mainstream programme.

Internally, the programme Steering Group will be accountable to Enterprise Northern Ireland for all expenditure arising from the delivery of the pilot. The procedures to be used in the course of the Develop A Business programme will be adopted as best practice and will follow those already established for use in the Business Start Programme.

In order to monitor the quantitative aspects of the Programme against its objectives, data will be collected by the Programme Management Team and reviewed on a regular basis. This will be gathered from the central registration system which will also
be used to maintain individual Client details.

As previous participation in the Business Start Programme is one of the criteria for participation the Develop a Business Programme, Delivery Centres will already be familiar with their monitoring responsibilities and the Quality Assurance procedures currently set out in Section 6 of the current Business Start Programme Operating Manual. Information will already be held on applicant businesses and there will be no need to refresh this information in the course of the pilot.