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
30 grants found
DRIVE35 Funding Programme
Capital and R&D funding for the UK automotive industry in the design, development and manufacturing of zero-emission vehicles and their supply chain.
Business Growth Fund
Grant funding for business growth projects that lead to job creation.
Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Strategic Programme
Funding for research and technology development to maintain and grow the UK’s competitive positions in civil aerospace.
Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) SME Programme
Offers funding for civil aerospace research and technology development in the UK.
Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Non-CO2 Programme
Funding for research and technology development to maintain and grow the UK’s competitive positions in civil aerospace.
Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) - UK
Advice on good practice in employment and employment relations.
Expression of interest: Biomedical Catalyst Accelerator Provider Pool: late stage
UK registered organisations can apply to join an approved provider pool for the BMC Accelerator Programme. Providers may be called upon over a period of up to three years to support programme delivery, subject to specific themes and requirements.
ESA Business Incubation Centre United Kingdom
A programme providing support and funding for businesses to commercialise space technology.
Workplace Charging Scheme
Grant to provide support towards the costs of the purchase, installation and infrastructure of electric vehicle chargepoints at eligible places of work.
Electric vehicle chargepoint and infrastructure grants for landlords
Grants for landlords to install electric vehicle chargepoints and supporting infrastructure in rental and leasehold properties.
Electric vehicle infrastructure grant for staff and fleets
The grant provides small and medium-sized businesses money off the cost of installing electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints and supporting infrastructure for their staff and fleet vehicles.
Made Smarter - Manufacturing grants and funding
Made Smarter South East is a government-funded programme to drive growth amongst the South East's manufacturing SMEs and makers. It launched in April 2025 and the pilot runs to 31 March 2026 and has a budget of £1.55m.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about business grants in Northern Ireland