Empowering Creativity: How Ards Business Hub’s Fund Made Drama Workshops Possible
Programme: Business & Community Fund (formerly SIF)
Recipient: Angela O’Hara – Founder, Drama For Change
Support Provided: Start-up funding and 1:1 mentoring through Ards Business Hu
At Ards Business Hub, our mission is to empower individuals, organisations, and communities to unlock potential, build resilience and create sustainable social and economic impact. This case study highlights the remarkable journey of Drama For Change, founded by Angela O’Hara, and demonstrates the transformative effect of the Ards Business Hub’s Business and Community Fund when combined with personalised mentoring and expert support.
From Vision to Reality
Angela O’Hara has long been passionate about community development and empowering individuals through education, connection, and creative expression. While she had a clear vision for the type of social impact she wanted to create, she had never considered combining this passion with her love of the arts, that is until the Ards Business Hub Business & Community Fund opened that door.
Through the programme, Angela secured funding to develop Drama For Change, a creative initiative that uses performance and storytelling to explore sensitive issues, spark dialogue, and strengthen community bonds. The recent two-night performance, attended by members of the Ards Business Hub team, showcased the incredible potential of Angela’s concept – not only as a business, but as a catalyst for empathy, connection and healing.
Impact on People and Communities
Following the performances, audience feedback was resoundingly positive. Attendees engaged with the cast and crew, shared personal experiences, and expressed deep emotional connections to the themes presented on stage. Many were inspired to suggest additional topics for future performances, and several encouraged Angela to bring the work into schools and community organisations.
The impact was felt not only by those watching, but also by the cast themselves. Angela reflected that the experience had been “life-changing for the cast, for the audience, and for me.” Witnessing the confidence, pride and connection among participants affirmed her belief that Drama For Change is a powerful platform for community transformation.
Mentoring: The Game-Changer
While the Ards Business Hub’s Business and Community Fund enabled Angela to launch her project, it was the mentoring support, particularly her partnership with our business mentor, Anne Murphy, that provided the confidence, structure and strategic guidance needed to bring the concept to life
Through 1:1 mentoring, Angela received tailored support on business planning, programme development, community impact, and operational structure. This blend of financial investment and hands-on guidance is core to how the Ards Business Hub’s Business and Community Fund creates long-term sustainability for organisations like Drama For Change.
A Catalyst for Growth and Long-Term Community Impact
The success of this project has ignited a new level of ambition for Angela. She is now exploring how Drama For Change can be expanded, diversified, and delivered in new settings across the community. The performance has opened new opportunities for partnerships, collaborations and future productions.
Most importantly, Angela’s journey demonstrates the ripple effect of Ards Business Hub’s Business and Community Fund; how investing in one entrepreneur can create a meaningful, lasting impact for individuals and communities across the region.
Drama For Change exemplifies the purpose of the Business and Community Fund: enabling passionate, community-driven individuals to develop ideas that not only become viable businesses but also deliver real, measurable impact.
Angela’s success is a testament to what can be achieved when financial support is combined with expert mentoring, and we are honoured to have played a role in supporting her vision.
At Ards Business Hub, we remain committed to nurturing talent, empowering social enterprise, and ensuring that initiatives like Drama For Change continue to thrive and create positive change that reaches far beyond the stage.
