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
225 grants found
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.
CITB - Qualification grants
Grants provided by CITB to support the achievement of construction-related qualifications. This includes short qualifications (less than 1 year), long qualifications (more than 1 year), Specialist Applied-skills Programmes (SAP), and the Advanced Craft Certificate in Scotland.
CITB - Short course grants
Grants for the achievement of short courses specifically related to Plant Operations, Scaffolding, and other specialist construction areas. Courses must be between 3 hours and 29 days in duration and align with approved construction-related standards.
AHRC responsive mode: working with Brazilian researchers
The AHRC Responsive Mode grant, in partnership with the State of São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), supports collaborative research projects in the arts and humanities. Open to eligible UK researchers and institutions in São Paulo, this grant emphasises international cooperation, interdisciplinary work, and impactful research outcomes. With funding ranging from £300,000 to £1.5 million (80% funded by AHRC for UK-based activities), the initiative ensures comprehensive coverage for Brazilian researchers through FAPESP. Projects can span up to five years, promoting knowledge exchange, career development, and integration of diverse research methodologies. Applications are open-ended and encourage cross-sectoral collaborations.
AHRC responsive mode: standard research grant
The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) is offering standard research grant funding to support well-defined collaborative projects across the arts and humanities. Applications must include a project lead and at least one project co-lead jointly involved in developing and managing the project and co-authoring research outputs. Projects can last up to five years and should aim to enhance relationships, provide opportunities for researchers, and maximise the value of research outcomes through knowledge transfer and dissemination.
AHRC responsive mode: collaborate with researchers in Luxembourg
The AHRC Responsive Mode grant, in collaboration with the Fonds National de la Recherche (FNR) in Luxembourg, provides an opportunity for UK-based and Luxembourg-based researchers to engage in transformative, interdisciplinary arts and humanities projects. This funding scheme aims to foster international collaborations, enabling researchers to establish or enhance partnerships that bridge diverse fields, institutions, and countries. Projects can be hosted by any eligible UK research organisation and involve Luxembourg partners from FNR-authorised institutions, ensuring a robust transnational research network. The grants range from £300,000 to £1.5 million for the UK component, with AHRC covering 80% of the Full Economic Cost (FEC). Luxembourg's portion of the funding is managed by FNR and adheres to its guidelines. This funding model allows for flexibility in budget distribution, reflecting local cost variations. Applicants are encouraged to design projects that promote knowledge exchange, engage early-career researchers, and address real-world challenges. Proposals may involve cross-disciplinary efforts, with the arts and humanities element taking the lead in shaping research questions and methodologies. The grant also supports project co-leads from non-UK institutions under specific conditions. Projects can span up to five years, offering ample time for impactful collaborations. The initiative underscores equality, diversity, and inclusion, accommodating flexible working arrangements to support researchers’ varying needs. Trusted Research and Innovation (TR&I) principles are integral to the scheme, ensuring ethical, secure international collaboration. This grant invites bold, innovative proposals that align with AHRC and FNR themes, aiming to make significant contributions to arts and humanities research on a global scale.
Food Accelerator programme
A programme to support food businesses
Business Energy Advice Service programme (Coventry)
The Business Energy Advice Service programme provides advice and support to businesses in Coventry to help them reduce their energy consumption and costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about business grants in Northern Ireland