Lisburn and Castlereagh business support

Business growth support in Lisburn and Castlereagh City

Guidance

There are several organisations in Lisburn and Castlereagh City which offer support to help you grow your business.

Growth and support schemes for established businesses

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council runs support programmes for business growth and development. Current programmes include:

Go Succeed Grant

Grants of up to £4,000 are available for businesses in all council areas. As an example, this grant could support the purchase of specialist equipment to automate production processes and boost productivity, or digital tools such as a website or software to streamline operations and enhance business promotion.

Find out more about the Go Succeed Grant.

Community Facilities Fund

The Community Facilities Fund is a grant funding programme designed to support projects focused on community facility upgrades, event infrastructure, and sports pitch maintenance/development. Find out more about Community Facilities Fund.

EU Trade Programme

The programme will provide participating businesses with tailored market intelligence, in-market promotion, bespoke business-to-business matchmaking and introductions to potential customers and partners.

Find out more about the EU Trade Programme.

John Hewitt International Summer School Residency Award 2026

Opportunities for arts practitioners to explore issues of difference and identity through literature and creative writing.

Find out more about the John Hewitt International Summer School Residency Award 2026.

Tyrone Guthrie Centre Regional Bursary Scheme 2026/27

A one-week residency for practitioners in all art forms who are based in the Lisburn and Castlereagh area.

Find out more about the Tyrone Guthrie Centre Regional Bursary Scheme 2026/27.

Seeding Grants

Grants to assist with set up, programme and running costs of newly formed community/voluntary groups.

Find out more about the Seeding Grants.

Community Bursary Scheme 2025/26

The Community Bursary Scheme supports individuals to access routes to community development/education, sports, music, language and/or culture opportunities.

Find out more about the Community Bursary Scheme 2025/26.

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 the Go Succeed support for existing businesses.

International Trade and Development Missions

Financial support for trade and development missions for businesses who want to be equipped with the relevant in-depth knowledge, know-how and confidence to successfully operate in new markets.

Find out more about the International Trade and Development Missions.

Investment Programme

Businesses relocating or searching for new premises in the Lisburn Castlereagh area can tap into free support from the Council’s Investment Team.

Find out more about the Investment Programme.

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.

Local enterprise agencies

Enterprise Northern Ireland agencies provide business improvement programmes, financing, events, workspace and meeting space. There are two local enterprise agencies in Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council:

Tender for council contracts

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

Find out more about tendering for Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council contracts.