Economic Recovery Innovation Grant

News article

Economic Recovery Innovation Grant closed to applications at 17:00 on Thursday 31 March 2022

A new £4 million innovation grant for SMEs opens for applications

Invest Northern Ireland (Invest NI) has launched the Economic Recovery Innovation Grant (ERIG) to support small and medium-sized businesses to develop and implement innovative projects.

ERIG will provide up to £5,000 (taxable) to help businesses develop new, or improve existing products, services or processes through innovation. The grant will support eligible costs, including:

  • testing and developing new products or processes
  • equipment
  • skills development
  • marketing
  • consultancy

ERIG is open to any business that can demonstrate it meets all the eligibility criteria outlined in the scheme guidance (PDF, 268K).

How to apply

Before you start the application process, you should familiarise yourself with the Frequently Asked Questions.

You should then complete the Eligibility Checker to find out if you are eligible to apply.

If you're eligible, but not in possession of Silver Level Innovator recognition (dated 1 April 2021 or later), you must also complete an Innovate NI innovation assessment. The assessment is quick and easy to complete. Businesses assessed as Silver Level Innovators or equivalent will be eligible to apply for ERIG.

Invest NI recommends that you apply as early as possible, as the assessment and application process may take several weeks to complete. Businesses assessed as a Silver Level Innovator (or equivalent) will be notified by email that they may be eligible for ERIG support and granted access to the application form on the myini.investni.com customer portal.

Deadline for applications

Applications close at 17:00 on Thursday 31 March 2022.

However, grants will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. If the available budget is fully allocated before this date, Invest NI reserves the right to close applications early.

You should apply as early as possible, as the ERIG application and assessment process may take several working weeks to complete.

Full details on the scheme, eligibility criteria and how to apply are available on the Invest NI website.

ERIG is managed and administered by Invest NI and part-funded by the Department for the Economy Economic Recovery Action Plan.


First published 9 November 2021