Business Grants in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland offers unique business funding opportunities through Invest NI, local councils, and cross-border programmes with the Republic of Ireland. Belfast and other NI businesses can access support for innovation, exports, and growth.
Invest NI Funding
Invest Northern Ireland is the main business development agency for NI. They provide grants, loans, and support for businesses looking to grow, innovate, or export. Their programmes cover R&D, capital investment, skills development, and market entry.
Local Council Support
Northern Ireland's 11 councils offer their own business support programmes. Belfast City Council, Derry City and Strabane, and other councils run grant schemes for local businesses, particularly SMEs and startups.
Cross-Border Programmes
NI businesses can also access cross-border funding programmes with the Republic of Ireland and EU-funded initiatives. InterTradeIreland supports cross-border trade and innovation projects.
Northern Ireland Business Grants
36 grants found
Operational excellence solutions
The Operational Excellence Solutions programme provides coaching, workshops and specialist advice to help businesses improve productivity, reduce non‑essential work by up to 25% and increase profitability.
Net zero and the green economy
Provides specialist guidance and financial support to help Northern Ireland businesses reduce energy consumption, decarbonise operations, and explore green market opportunities.
Clustering and collaboration
The Cluster Acceleration Programme provides financial support for businesses to collaborate, helping them identify new opportunities and strengthen their competitive edge.
Protect your intellectual property
Provides specialist advice on patents, trademarks, designs and copyrights, and offers financial assistance for an Intellectual Asset Management Audit and to protect IP such as patents, trademarks, designs and licensing agreements.
Digitalisation solutions
The Digitalisation solutions program offers advice and support for export‑focused businesses to implement Management Information Systems (MIS) such as CRM, ERP/MRP, e‑commerce platforms and digital automation, with possible financial assistance for software costs and related setup and training.
Exhibitions and trade missions
The Exhibitions and trade missions program helps Northern Ireland businesses attend international trade shows and missions, providing market insights, matchmaking, and financial support for travel and follow‑up visits.
Support for start-ups
Support for start-ups provides free step‑by‑step guidance for new businesses in Northern Ireland, offering online tools, videos, e‑learning tutorials and personalised advice through the My New Business service and the Go Succeed programme.
Knowledge Transfer Partnership
A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) is a subsidised three-way partnership between a business, a high‑calibre graduate and an academic institution, providing a cost‑effective way for businesses to attract fresh talent and access university expertise to drive strategic innovation and growth.
Agri-Food Investment Initiative
The Agri-Food Investment Initiative provides financial assistance (grant funding) for capital investment projects in the Northern Ireland agri‑food sector, covering machinery, equipment, software, patents and related costs, with aid intensity up to 35% for small firms and a total maximum assistance of around £5 million.
Techstart Proof of Concept Grant Fund
The Techstart Proof of Concept Grant Fund is a pre-commercial grant awarding fund. On a competitive basis, the fund supports entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland with grants to explore the viability and commercial potential of an innovative concept. - £30k Concept Plus Grant Closing Date - 21st April 2026 - £15k Concept Grant Closing Date - TBC
ESA Business Incubation Centre United Kingdom
Support and funding to commercialise space technology for UK‑registered companies, including new or existing companies less than 5 years old with a demonstrable space connection.
Enterprising Ashfield
Advice and guidance for people starting or growing a business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about business grants in Northern Ireland