What is JobStart? The new JobStart Scheme provides funding from the Department for Communities (DfC) to allow employers to create new job opportunities to help those who are currently unemployed or economically inactive, in receipt of working age benefits and wish to enter or re-enter the workplace. What employers need to know about JobStart Employers…
Opportunity for Northern Ireland game and interactive creators Northern Ireland Screen has opened applications for its Interactive Development funding call, aimed at Northern Ireland-based companies creating new interactive projects. Priority will be given to video game development, but immersive, augmented and extended reality projects are also eligible. The Interactive Development fund supports single projects with…
A new survey is asking Northern Ireland businesses to share how they use – or don’t use – artificial intelligence (AI) Belfast Chamber, with input from the Department for the Economy, launched the ‘AI in Northern Ireland Businesses: Readiness and Adoption Survey’ to better understand AI use and adoption across local businesses. The results will…
How to Access Business Support This Autumn For many, the autumn time is a season to take stock and plan our next step, whether that be in education, work, or business. You might be thinking about how you can start, grow or scale your own business, but taking that step can be daunting – and…
Northern Ireland’s business base is rightly proud of its resilience and ingenuity. The next competitive edge will come from a new kind of firm: the AI-driven enterprise (AIDE). An AIDE is a business that puts artificial intelligence at the core of how it researches markets, designs products, serves customers, and runs operations. Think of it…
Support for Entrepreneurs from Underrepresented Groups Fermanagh Enterprise is highlighting an exciting opportunity for innovative business founders across the UK. The Breakthrough Founders programme is now accepting applications from entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups who are looking to grow their business and secure investment. Funded by Innovate UK, this fully supported programme provides founders with the…
What could a £5,000 voucher do for your business? Invest Northern Ireland’s Innovation Vouchers allow you to access the skills and expertise of public sector knowledge providers, such as universities and colleges, in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Typical projects supported through Innovation Vouchers include: helping to create or improve products, services or…
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir MLA has today announced that a Rural Business Development Grant Scheme (RBDGS) will open for applications on Thursday 25 September 2025. The RBDGS is funded through the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs ‘Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation’ (TRPSI) Programme and is delivered in partnership with local Councils. Eligible…
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir MLA has today announced that a new £1.8million Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme (RMCGS) will open for applications on Monday 15 September 2025. Capital grants between £500 and £2,000 will be available to rural voluntary and community organisations and Social Economy Enterprises to fund projects tackling locally identified issues of poverty…
Businesses handling packaging waste urged to comply with new packaging waste rules If you’re a small business in Northern Ireland, you may now need to register and report how much packaging you use under new government rules. These rules are part of the UK’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, which aims to: boost recycling cut…
