Currently, the main groups that award grants are:

• the UK government
• the European Union
• Northern Ireland government
• local authorities or local councils

Northern Ireland business support finder

Use our searchable database that can help you find publicly-funded sources of assistance 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 for business support and finance in NI.

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.

Access to knowledge

For guidance on the schemes available to support research and development in small businesses, see support networks and facilities for innovation and R&D.

Some businesses partner with a research or academic organisation in a project of mutual interest – see work with UK universities and colleges.

Invest NI Innovation Vouchers

Invest NI’s Innovation Voucher provides funding to small and medium sized businesses to work with an expert from a University, College or other Public Sector Research Body bringing new knowledge to help businesses innovate, develop and grow (link is external).

You can also read about Invest NI grant support for high growth start-ups (link is external)

Skills and training

The Prince’s Trust Explore Enterprise programme (link is external) offers support for young people who would like to start their own business. This support package includes help with a business plan, training, funding grants and low interest loans.

Source:  NIBUSINESSINFO