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…
New online academy gives local businesses the skills to trade globally with confidence From September to December 2025, the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry is launching a comprehensive series of international trade training courses. Each 3-hour session runs via Zoom from 9:30am to 12:30pm. What you’ll learn This expert-led programme covers everything you…
Mark your calendar for high-level talks, panels, and networking at this flagship EU event The European Commission’s annual flagship research and innovation event will take place on 16 and 17 September at The Square in Brussels and online. This annual forum brings together policymakers, researchers, business leaders, and the wider innovation community to discuss how…
Unlock finance, secure investment, and build a sustainable future with these three expert-led sessions. 💰💡 📅 Session 1 – 24 September: Developing Your Understanding on Grant and Equity Finance ✅ Grants, equity funding, crowdfunding, investment readiness 📅 Session 2 – 8 October: Building Confidence and Readiness to Access Debt Finance and Understanding Your Options…
Artificial intelligence in business Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how businesses operate. From voice recognition to predictive analytics, robotics and more, AI is helping organisations work more efficiently, deliver better services, and explore new opportunities. While AI has been around for decades, recent advances in technology and greater access to data have made it more…
