Grants: the basics

Currently, the main groups that award grants are government departments, local councils and some charitable organisations.

Northern Ireland business support finder

Use our searchable database that can help you find publicly-funded sources of assistance (including government departments and councils) in Northern Ireland you may be eligible to apply for.

Support may be available in a number of forms, including financial assistance and free or subsidised advice services. There may also be specific initiatives to help with starting up, managing or growing a business.

Search the Northern Ireland business support finder.

Innovation, research and development

There are numerous grants available to encourage investment in innovation, research and development.

See innovation, research and development grants and find support for inventors.

Invest NI Innovation Vouchers

If you need external expertise to help with an innovation project, you can apply for Invest Northern Ireland's Innovation Vouchers.

The vouchers are worth up to £5000 and allow you to access skills and expertise from a registered knowledge provider (eg universities and colleges).

Read more on Invest NI's Innovation Vouchers.

You can also read about Invest NI support for local business.

Local support for businesses

Local councils in Northern Ireland also provide a range of support, including various funding programmes:

Antrim and Newtownabbey business support
Ards and North Down business support
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon business support
Belfast business support
Causeway Coast and Glens business support
Derry City and Strabane business support
Fermanagh and Omagh business support
Lisburn and Castlereagh business support
Mid and East Antrim business support
Mid Ulster business support
Newry, Mourne and Down business support

Local Enterprise Agencies in Northern Ireland also provide a range of information on government help different types of grant aid and funding. Find your local Enterprise Agency.