What Grants Are Available in Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland offers a unique business support landscape, with Invest NI as the primary economic development agency alongside cross-border opportunities through InterTradeIreland.
Businesses in Northern Ireland can access grants for R&D, skills development, capital investment, and international trade. The Go For It programme provides free start-up support through local councils.
Who is eligible for NI business grants? Most grants require your business to be registered and operating in Northern Ireland. Invest NI typically works with businesses demonstrating growth potential, while local council programmes support businesses of all sizes.
Types of Northern Ireland Grants
From Invest NI support to cross-border funding, here are the main grant categories available.
Invest NI Grants
Northern Ireland's regional economic development agency offering R&D grants, skills development, and capital investment support for businesses.
Funding: £5,000 - £5M+
Eligibility: NI-based businesses
InterTradeIreland Funding
Cross-border funding for businesses trading between Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland, including innovation partnerships and trade programmes.
Funding: Up to €600,000
Eligibility: Businesses trading cross-border
Go For It Programme
Free business start-up support delivered through local councils, including mentoring, business planning, and access to start-up funding.
Funding: Support + referrals
Eligibility: NI residents starting a business
NI Small Business Loan Fund
Loans from £1,000 to £50,000 for small businesses, delivered by Invest NI with flexible repayment terms and competitive rates.
Funding: £1,000 - £50,000
Eligibility: NI SMEs and start-ups
Skills Development Grants
Funding towards training and upskilling employees, including management development, technical skills, and professional qualifications.
Funding: Up to 50% of training costs
Eligibility: NI businesses investing in skills
Innovation Vouchers
Funding to help businesses work with universities and research institutions on innovation projects, product development, and R&D.
Funding: Up to £5,000
Eligibility: NI SMEs
Invest Northern Ireland Grants
Invest NI is Northern Ireland's regional economic development agency, offering a comprehensive range of support for businesses with growth ambitions.
How to access support: Contact Invest NI directly or through a regional office. An advisor will assess your business needs and match you with appropriate programmes.
R&D Grant
Support for research and development projects with commercial potential
Up to 50% of eligible costs
Technical Development Incentive
Funding for product and process development
25-40% of eligible costs
Grant for Skills
Training and upskilling support
Up to 50% of training costs
Business Improvement Grant
Capital investment for efficiency improvements
Varies by project
InterTradeIreland: Cross-Border Funding
InterTradeIreland supports businesses trading across the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Programmes include:
- FUSION programme (graduate placements)
- Acumen programme (sales growth)
- Innovation Boost (product development)
- Trade services and buyer connections
Go For It Programme
Northern Ireland's free business start-up programme, delivered through all 11 local councils. Get a dedicated business advisor, workshops, and help accessing start-up funding.
Available to anyone considering starting a business in NI.
Priority Sectors in Northern Ireland
Invest NI provides enhanced support for businesses in these key sectors.
Advanced Manufacturing
Life & Health Sciences
Financial Services
Technology & Software
Agri-Food
Creative Industries
Clean Energy
Aerospace
Northern Ireland Grants: FAQs
Common questions about business grants and funding in Northern Ireland.
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