Want to know more about our support?
About the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme & Funding opportunities
In February 2024, the Irish Government announced €30m towards the establishment of a new Shared Island Enterprise Scheme developed by InterTradeIreland, Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland.
In June 2026, the Shared Island Sustainability Challenge Fund was announced, with a total value of €26m (circa £22m), including €13m available in each region to help businesses decarbonise through innovative solutions.
The fund is supported by €10m from the Shared Island Unit in both Northern Ireland and Ireland, with Invest NI and Enterprise Ireland each contributing a further €3m per jurisdiction.
What does Shared Island funding offer?
Shared Island funding support will be delivered on an all-island basis under the following broad areas:
- Women entrepreneurship
- Clusters and networks
- Green investment
How can my business benefit from Shared Island funding?
Local businesses can benefit from grant funding for green capital investment, while women entrepreneurs can get training, mentoring, and scaling support for early-stage businesses. The cluster support will help develop existing and emerging clusters to achieve scale on the island of Ireland.
Women entrepreneurship
We’re working closely with our partners deliver three different entrepreneurship programmes to help women across the island to grow, innovate, and scale their businesses with tailored support and mentorship. They are:
- WeBuild - a programme for women founders developing tech-enabled ventures focused on innovation, AI learning, and building strong, future-ready businesses.
- WeGrow - a growth programme for women-led SMEs that are ready to grow beyond their home market through strategic mentorship and business development.
- WeScale - a scaling programme for high-potential women-led businesses aiming for international expansion and investor readiness through advanced scaling support.
Clusters and networks
The cross-border clusters and networks strand of the scheme will strengthen existing and emerging clusters on the island of Ireland by developing skills and exploring international best practice.
Green investment - Shared Island Sustainability Capital Grant
The Shared Island Sustainability Capital Grant offers businesses grants for energy and resource efficiency capital projects valued at over £5m.
Green Investment – Shared Island Sustainability Challenge Fund
The Shared Island Sustainability Challenge Fund supports innovative capital projects that help businesses in Northern Ireland and Ireland to decarbonise, with funding available for projects valued at over £5m.
The Fund will launch later in 2026, with further details on eligibility criteria to be announced as part of the launch.
Contact us
If you are interested in the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, contact our Business Support Team on 0800 181 4422 or complete the enquiry form.