Apply for up to £45,000 in Invest NI funding
Invest Northern Ireland’s Ambition to Grow programme supports ambitious Northern Ireland businesses to create new jobs, develop their business and increase sales to customers outside Northern Ireland. Eligible businesses can apply for up to £45,000 in grant support.
What the grant can support
You can apply for funding to help your business:
- hire new employees
- reach customers and markets outside Northern Ireland
- develop new products, services or processes
- train new and existing employees
The funding package includes:
- up to £30,000 towards employment within the business
- up to £10,000 for market, product or skills development
- £5,000 for completing an Export Health Check, Innovate NI Self-Assessment and two compulsory Ambition to Grow workshops
Who can apply
Ambition to Grow is open to eligible micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that:
- are based in Northern Ireland
- have a product or service suitable for selling outside Northern Ireland
- have the potential to create new employment
- can demonstrate the need for government support
- have annual turnover under around £2 million or sales outside NI less than £250,000
The programme is mainly aimed at businesses that do not currently receive support from Invest NI. Check the full eligibility requirements in the Ambition to Grow guidance notes (PDF, 1.7MB).
How to apply
To apply, complete the eligibility checker on the Invest NI website.
If you pass the eligibility checker, you will gain access to the online application form through the Invest NI portal.
The application call will close at midday on Thursday 1 October 2026.
Source: nibusinessinfo
