Invest Northern Ireland - Business Grants and Support

Overview

Invest Northern Ireland (Invest NI) is Northern Ireland's main economic development agency, sponsored by the Department for the Economy. It provides tailored support to NI-based businesses across the full lifecycle - from early-stage entrepreneurship and export readiness to innovation, R&D, leadership development, and net-zero transition. Invest NI offers a mix of financial grants, repayable loans, advisory services, and skills programs, operating from offices in Belfast and a global network of international trade offices. It is the primary source of publicly funded business support for companies operating in or looking to establish in Northern Ireland.

What You Can Find Here

Entrepreneurship support - comprehensive packages for new business formation including advice, mentoring, and startup funding
Export support - trade missions, market research, and financial assistance for businesses selling outside Northern Ireland
Funding support - grants and loans for capital investment, R&D, and business development from Invest NI and partner programs
Innovation and R&D support - funding and expertise to help businesses develop new products, processes, and digital capabilities
Leadership and management training - workshops, Training Needs Analysis, and capability development programs for managers and teams
Net zero and green economy support - advice and funding to reduce energy use and decarbonise business operations
Operational excellence solutions - help with supply chain, process improvement, and property solutions
Regional business network - access to a network of local advisers offering guidance on claims and eligible cost policies

Who Should Use This

New entrepreneurs and innovation-driven startups based in Northern Ireland seeking early-stage business support
Established SMEs in Northern Ireland looking to scale, export, or invest in new capabilities
Technology companies seeking R&D grants and innovation support to develop new products
Manufacturing and engineering businesses pursuing capital investment or operational efficiency programs
Companies of all sizes exploring the unique dual market access opportunity (both UK and EU single market) available in Northern Ireland
Businesses ready to hire and train staff using Invest NI leadership and training programs
NI businesses targeting net-zero commitments with support for energy reduction and green transition

How to Get Started

Step 1: Go to investni.com/support-for-business and explore the eight support categories relevant to your stage and needs
Step 2: Register for a MyINI account at myini.investni.com to access the full range of programs and application forms
Step 3: Contact your nearest Invest NI regional adviser - they can direct you to the most suitable programs and guide your application
Step 4: Attend Invest NI events and workshops (many free) to build knowledge and meet advisers in person
Step 5: Submit your application through the online portal, providing business plan, financial projections, and supporting evidence
Step 6: Manage your funded project through the portal, submitting claims and reports as required

Things to Check Before Applying

Support is exclusively for businesses based in or planning to locate in Northern Ireland
Most grant programs require matched private investment - typically 50% from the business and 50% from Invest NI
Invest NI conducts sanctions checks on companies and directors before approving support, in line with UK Government legislation
Some programs prioritize high-growth, export-oriented, or innovation-driven businesses rather than all sectors equally
Offers must be formally accepted before starting eligible project activities - retrospective costs are not usually funded
Claiming involves detailed evidence submission including invoices, payroll records, and activity reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Invest NI support available to businesses outside Northern Ireland?

No. Invest NI primarily supports businesses based in or planning to locate to Northern Ireland. International companies interested in investing in NI can use the investni.com/international-business section.

What is the dual market access opportunity mentioned for NI businesses?

Post-Brexit, Northern Ireland retains access to the EU single market for goods through the Windsor Framework, while also being fully part of the UK market. This gives NI businesses a unique position to serve both markets without customs barriers on goods.

Does Invest NI offer grants or only loans?

Both. Invest NI offers non-repayable grants for eligible capital investment, R&D, and training activities. It also facilitates access to repayable loans and equity through partner financial institutions.

Can a startup apply for Invest NI support?

Yes. Invest NI has a dedicated Entrepreneurship Support program for new and early-stage businesses, including support for innovation-driven startups with export potential.

How do I find out about upcoming events and workshops?

Events are listed at investni.com under the Media Centre section. You can register for free workshops, trade missions, and advisory clinics directly through the MyINI portal.