Support for businesses in Northern Ireland
There is a wide range of support available to help grow your business in the form of advice, guidance and funding.
Our support for business includes funding through our Access to Finance initiative, business events on a range of themes and access to free market research though our Business Information Centre. You can also access expert advice to help develop business specific waste management strategies, find out how we can help you Reduce waste and save energy.
We have developed a range of video tutorials on themes such as preparing a growth plan, setting your business direction, sales and managing cash flow.
For businesses selling, or planning to sell, outside Northern Ireland other support may be available subject to eligibility criteria.
nibusinessinfo.co.uk
nibusinessinfo.co.uk is the official online channel for business information and guidance in Northern Ireland. There is a dedicated section to help you grow your business
Local Councils
Local councils offer a range of business support including mentoring and workshops through their business and economic development teams.
Explore the business support available from your local coucil:
- Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council
- Ards and North Down Borough Council
- Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council
- Belfast City Council
- Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
- Derry City and Strabane District Council
- Fermanagh and Omagh District Council
- Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council
- Mid and East Antrim Borough Council
- Mid Ulster District Council
- Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
Department for the Economy
The Department for the Economy offer a wide range of funded programmes that can equip your business with the skills to grow. This includes essential skills, apprenticeships, a graduate management programme and tailored training which can lead to qualifications.
Department for International Trade
The Department for International Trade can support businesses through their UK Export Academy. The UK Export Academy is open to any business in the UK who has a product or service that can be sold internationally. It is for businesses who know that they want to reach international customers and contracts in the future, as well as those who might already be selling beyond the UK and want to expand into new markets.
InterTrade Ireland
InterTrade Ireland provides a range of support to help businesses based in Northern Ireland to research and exploit opportunities in the Republic of Ireland.
Ulster Bank Entrepreneur Accelerator
The Ulster Bank Entrepreneur Accelerator offers free support to help start or grow your business including access to events, webinars and digital workshops.
Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry provides opportunities for businesses to grow locally and internationally through their extensive range of services to help businesses learn, upskill and connect.
Enterprise NI
Enterprise NI is the local enterprise agency network across Northern Ireland and can help with advice on business growth or funding and access to workspace.