Belfast business support

There are several organisations in Belfast which offer support to help you grow your business.

Growth and support schemes for established businesses

Belfast Council runs support programmes for business growth and development. Current programmes include:

Augment the City Challenge Fund

Funding and guidance to support innovation and R&D for innovators from the creative industries sector and leading tourism organisations - find out more about the £575,000 Augment the City Challenge Fund.

Fintech Support Programme

Support for early stage innovation, start-up activity and scaling for Belfast based Fintech companies - find out more about the Fintech Support Programme.

Go Succeed - Grow and Scale

Support is available if your business is already established and is now ready to expand, but growth is slow and you're not sure how to progress. Or if your business is ready to go to the next level locally and internationally but you need guidance, support or resources to achieve your ambitions. Business advisors will provide tailored support to help your business achieve its ambitions - find out more about Go Succeed support for existing businesses.

Social Enterprise Thematic Programme

Support for social enterprises to elevate their skills through one-on-one mentoring and online workshops, focusing on fundraising, digital marketing, and social impact planning - find out more about the Social Enterprise Thematic Programme.

Test Trading opportunities at St George’s Market

Opportunity for businesses to test trade their products or promote their services at St George’s Market - find out more about the test trading opportunities.

Vacant to Vibrant Capital Grant Scheme

Grants from £2,500 to £25,000 are available to cover external and internal works, including equipment to make the property fit for use. 

Belfast City Council has now secured up to £500,000 in funding from the Department for Communities and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to extend the scheme further across the wider council boundary. Grants are also still available for those located within the city centre.

The Vacant to Vibrant Capital Grant Scheme is available until funding is fully allocated - find out more about the Vacant to Vibrant Capital Grant Scheme.

Local enterprise agencies

Enterprise Northern Ireland agencies provide business improvement programmes, financing, events, workspace and meeting space. There are five local enterprise agencies in Belfast:

• City East Business Centre
• North City Business Centre Ltd  
• Ormeau Business Park
• Ortus – West Belfast Enterprise Agency
• Work West Enterprise Agency  

Tender for council contracts

You can seek tender opportunities as a way to grow your business in Belfast. The council offers public tenders throughout the year in a wide range of business areas.

Find out more on tendering for Belfast Council contracts.

Invest Northern Ireland support for business

Invest NI can help your business compete successfully and function more efficiently by providing support across a variety of areas.

Find out more about Invest NI support for business.