Want to know more about our support?

What are start-ups?

Start-ups are new or early-stage businesses developing innovative products or tradeable services for customers outside Northern Ireland. They have the ambition to grow quickly, create jobs, increase exports and attract investment.

We support start-ups in priority sectors including advanced manufacturing, digital and technology, life and health sciences, financial and professional services, and the green economy.

What support do we offer for start-ups?

We support ambitious start-ups with the potential to grow, through a range of grant support initiatives.

In partnership with InterTradeIreland and Enterprise Ireland, we work together to support women-led businesses to grow, innovate and scale across the island of Ireland through the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme. The scheme offers a range of programmes supporting women entrepreneurs at every stage, from earlystage ventures to scaling established businesses. 

The scheme is funded by the Government of Ireland and includes four programmes: 

  • WeBuild 
  • WeGrow 
  • WeScale 
  • WeVenture 

Our programme support for start-ups

  • My New Business

    My New Business provides step-by-step support to plan, start and run your business. It will guide you through the essential steps, help you to navigate the local support available and keep you on the right track.

    Find out more

  • nisbusinessinfo.co.uk

    nibusinessinfo.co.uk provides practical, up‑to‑date guidance to help businesses start, run and grow. It offers easy‑to‑use advice, tools, case studies and access to regulations and government services.

    Find out more

What other support is available for start-ups?

Organisations such as Women in Business, Go Succeed, Social Enterprise NI, Catalyst and Enterprise NI provide advice, mentoring, training and networks to help businesses start, grow and scale across Northern Ireland. 

Contact us

If you are interested in support available for local start-ups, contact our Business Support Team on 0800 181 4422 or complete the enquiry form.

For information on how we use your personal data including your rights, see our privacy notice.
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