Access to Finance - Supporting Business Growth
SMEs are the backbone of our economy providing approximately three quarters of all private sector jobs and turnover. Regardless of size or stage of development, businesses need funding to scale to the next level.
Aimed at ambitious SMEs whose growth is constrained by a lack of traditional finance, Invest NI provides a range of funding solutions under the banner of ‘Access to Finance’.
Totalling almost £170m, there are five funds spanning a deal size range of £10k to £2m and offering support to SMEs across both debt and equity markets.
The funds, which operate on a fully commercial basis, are managed by independent NI based FCA approved fund managers who retain responsibility for all investment decisions. The experienced and knowledgeable fund managers will also offer guidance and mentoring support to help SMEs develop strategies and ultimately unlock the full potential of their business.
Finance for the funds may be provided solely by Invest NI (part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund) or in conjunction with the private sector.
Video | Watch Day One and Day Two of the Access to Finance Conference, held virtually in June 2021.
If you want help to take your business to the next level then don’t hesitate to Contact us
FURTHER.SPACE Co-Founder and COO, David Maxwell discusses how Co-Fund NI II supported their business.
Loan Funding
NI Small Business Loan Fund
Fund Manager: Ulster Community Finance Ltd
An £8m loan fund for Northern Ireland based individuals, private companies and social enterprises in the SME and micro enterprise size range and in the start-up or growth phases of development. Loans are typically unsecured and range between £10k and £100k (maximum £15K for start-up businesses).
Video | Donal Traynor talks about the NI Small Business Loan Fund and how it can support local businesses.
Case Study
Hear from companies who benefited from this fund:
For more information visit:
Growth Loan Fund II (ERDF)
Fund Manager: Whiterock Finance
A £30m loan fund designed to support export focused NI SMEs demonstrating growth or strong growth potential. Loans are typically between £100k and £500k.
- Loans are provided on commercial terms with pricing reflective of the risk involved
- There must be an identified funding gap in a proposed investment (applicants must have tried and been unable to raise all required funding from Banks / financial institutions)
- Companies must be able to demonstrate their ability to service loan repayments from projected cash flows
Video | Paul Millar talks about Whiterock Capital and the support they can offer companies
This fund is part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the EU Investment for Growth and Jobs Programme 2014 - 2020.
Case Study
Hear from companies who have benefited from the Growth Loan Fund I:
For more information visit: WhiteRock Finance
T: +44 (0) 28 9500 1060
E: Send Email to WhiteRock Finance
Growth Finance Fund
Fund Manager: WhiteRock Finance
A £30m loan fund designed to support export focused Northern Ireland SMEs demonstrating growth or strong growth potential. Loans are typically between £500k and £2m.
- Loans are provided on commercial terms with pricing reflective of the risk involved
- There must be an identified funding gap in a proposed investment (applicants must have tried and been unable to raise all required funding from Banks / financial institutions)
- Companies must be able to demonstrate their ability to service loan repayments from projected cash flows
For more information visit: WhiteRock Finance
T: +44 (0) 28 9500 1060
E: Send Email to WhiteRock Finance
Equity Funding
techstart NI (ERDF)
Fund Manager: Techstart Ventures
A collection of funds providing support to NI based entrepreneurs, seed / early stage SMEs and university spin-outs. Support includes a £30m SME equity fund, investing between £50k - £750k in any one round and up to £2m over a series of funding rounds, and a £4.5m Proof of Concept Grant Fund.
Video | Jamie Andrews talks about TechStart NI and what they do
This fund is part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the EU Investment for Growth and Jobs Programme 2014-2020.
Case Study
Hear from companies who benefited from this fund:
For more information visit: techstartNI
T: +44 (0) 28 9032 5506
E: Send Email to TechstartNI
Co-Fund NI II (ERDF)
Fund Manager: Clarendon Fund Managers
A £70m equity fund for SMEs based in Northern Ireland. The fund co-invests alongside business angels and other private investors. The fund can provide co-investment in deals typically valued between £150k and £1m and up to £2m over a series of investment rounds, at a ratio of up to 50%.
Video | Neil Simms talks about Clarendon Fund Managers and the support they can offer companies
This fund is part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the EU Investment for Growth and Jobs Programme 2014-2020.
Case Study
Hear from companies who benefited from this fund:
For more information visit: Co-Fund NI
T: +44 (0) 28 9032 6465
E: Send Email to Clarendon Fund Managers
HBAN (Halo Business Angel Network)
Fund Managers: Clarendon Fund Managers
HBAN is the all island Business Angel network, a joint initiative between Invest NI, InterTradeIreland and Enterprise Ireland. The HBAN programme encourages business angels to operate within syndicates and it also provides a matching service between companies seeking investors and business angels.
For more information visit: HBAN
Further information:
Northern Ireland Business Info
Not sure that this support is right for you? Contact us and we can explore options for your business together.
Our support may be subject to some eligibility criteria.
