Want to know more about our support?
About business loans and equity funding
SMEs are the backbone of the Northern Ireland economy, accounting for around three quarters of private sector jobs and turnover. At every stage of development, businesses need access to the right funding to grow and scale.
Through its Access to Finance programme, Invest NI helps ambitious SMEs overcome funding gaps where traditional finance may not be available.
The programme brings together a range of business loan and equity funds to support growth across Northern Ireland. Invest NI’s commitment of £130 million across four funds is expected to unlock at least £175 million in private sector investment.
The funds offer deal sizes ranging from £10,000 to £2.5 million. They operate on a fully commercial basis and are managed by independent, Northern Ireland‑based, FCA‑authorised fund managers. These managers are responsible for all investment decisions and may also provide guidance and mentoring to help businesses develop effective growth strategies and realise their full potential.
Funding may be provided solely by Invest NI or in partnership with the British Business Bank and other private sector investors.
What benefits does Access to Finance offer?
Access to Finance helps SMEs move forward with confidence by providing the right finance at the right stage of growth. The programme offers flexible funding that can help businesses secure investment, accelerate development and support long‑term sustainability.
Get in-depth details on each fund:
Loan funding
NI Small Business Loan Fund III
Fund Manager: Ulster Community Finance Ltd
An £8 million loan fund supporting Northern Ireland‑based sole traders, micro‑businesses, SMEs and social enterprises at the start‑up or growth stages.
Loans are offered at commercial interest rates and range from £10,000 to £125,000, with up to £25,000 available for start‑up businesses.
Investment Fund for Northern Ireland
Fund Manager: Whiterock Capital
This fund provides secured and unsecured mezzanine debt finance to SMEs across Northern Ireland. It supports businesses that are growing and scaling, with finance ranging from £25,000 to £2 million.
Launched by the British Business Bank with an initial £30 million investment, the fund has been expanded through a further £29.2 million commitment from Invest NI, bringing the total fund size to £59.2 million.
Find out more about the Investment Fund for Northern Ireland on the Whiterock Capital website.
Equity funding
Techstart Ventures
Fund Manager: Techstart Ventures
A suite of funds supporting Northern Ireland‑based entrepreneurs, seed and early‑stage SMEs, and university spin‑outs.
Support includes a £48 million SME equity fund, which can provide initial investments of up to £1 million and up to £2.5 million across multiple funding rounds. A £7.2 million Proof of Concept Grant Fund is also available, offering early‑stage funding to support product development and progression towards commercialisation.
Find out more about Techstart Ventures and the Proof of Concept Grant Fund on the Techstart Ventures website.
Co-Fund NI
Fund Manager: Clarendon Fund Managers
An equity fund supporting early‑stage and growing SMEs across Northern Ireland. The fund invests alongside private investors and business angels, with typical deal sizes ranging from £150,000 to £2 million.
The fund can invest up to 50% of a funding round, on the same commercial terms as other investors, helping businesses secure the finance they need to grow.
Find out more about Co-Fund NI on the Clarendon Fund Managers website.
Who is eligible for Access to Finance?
Access to Finance is is open to any business in Northern Ireland that meets the individual fund criteria.
Further information
Find out more about Access to Finance, including how it supports businesses, through the external resources below.
Discover more
Hear from fund managers and local businesses as they share how Access to Finance works in practice. Learn how our support can help you grow, reach new markets and drive innovation.
Disclaimer
Invest Northern Ireland is not authorised or regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) or the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Funding is provided by independent fund managers/providers who set terms and eligibility. You should review the provider's documentation carefully and consider taking independent professional advice.
Contact us
If you are interested in Access to Finance, contact our Business Support Team on 0800 181 4422 or complete the enquiry form.