Support & Signposting

Entrepreneurial Ecosystem of Support for NI Founders, including Funding, Advice, Networking and Co-working Spaces.

Please note that the list below is not exhaustive and is continually evolving! If you know of anywhere else in Northern Ireland that should be included, feel free to let us know by emailing grants@tecstart.vc.

FUNDING & GRANTS
BUSINESS SUPPORT & ADVICE
INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMMES
CO-WORKING SPACES & NETWORKING
NI COUNCIL AREA BUSINESS SUPPORT

FUNDING & GRANTS:

British Business Bank - A government-owned financial institution that improves access to finance for UK small & medium-sized businesses.

Clarendon Fund Managers - A venture capital firm that supports early-stage businesses in Northern Ireland.

Cordovan - Cordovan invests in small UK and Irish businesses, focusing on buyouts and growth.

DTTF - Grant program supporting small and micro businesses in Northern Ireland to enhance their digital capabilities.

HBAN - Network connecting angel investors with startups across Ireland.

Innovate UK - Provides funding and support to help UK businesses develop and commercialise.

Innovation Ulster Ltd - Commercialisation arm of Ulster University.

Invest Northern Ireland - Regional economic development agency, supporting businesses with funding, advice and growth opportunities.

NI Small Business Loan Fund - Offers loans ranging from £10k to £100k to support the growth and development of small businesses in Northern Ireland.

Startup Loans - Offers start-up loans to businesses across Northern Ireland.

Social Enterprise NI - Representative body for social enterprises and social entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland.

QUBIS - Commercialisation arm of Queen's University Belfast.

Whiterock - Provides funding solutions, including equity & debt.

BUSINESS SUPPORT & ADVICE:

CSIT - QUB's Innovation and Knowledge Centre for cyber security.

eConX - Digital platform designed specifically for Northern Ireland’s entrepreneurs.

Enterprise NI - Representative organisation for NI's 27 Local Enterprise Agencies.

Federation of Small Businesses - UK-based membership organization representing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the self-employed.

Future Screens NI - Supports growth in Northern Ireland’s creative industries with funding and expertise.

HIRANI - The Health Innovation Research Alliance Northern Ireland (HIRANI) was established to strengthen the Life & Health Sciences ecosystem.

InterTrade Ireland - Provides funding, expert advice, and interactive workshops.

Momentum One Zero - QUB Research institute focused on advanced digital technologies, aiming to address global challenges through innovation.

MRANI - The Minorities Recognition Awards NI (MRANI) is an initiative set up to recognise and celebrate excellence among Minority business in Northern Ireland.

NI Business Info - Online channel offering business advice, guidance, and resources for entrepreneurs and companies in Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland Screen - National screen agency for Northern Ireland.

QUB SU - Offers founders access to a vibrant community, support services, and networking opportunities to help grow their businesses.

Raise Ventures - A tech startup accelerator offering mentorship, funding support, and networking opportunities.

Women in Business - The leading network for women in the workplace across Northern Ireland.

INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMMES:

Barclays Eagle Labs - An entrepreneurial network supporting ambitious startups and scaleups.

Catalyst - Catalyst supports entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland with workspace, community, and innovation resources.

Endeavor - Supports high-impact entrepreneurs globally with mentorship, networking, and access to capital.

Founder Labs - Tailored programme providing funding & support to help NI businesses launch & scale.

Royal Academy of Engineering - Promotes excellence in engineering through support, programs, and recognition.

Ulster Bank Accelerator - Programme designed to support entrepreneurs with mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities to help grow their businesses.

CO-WORKING SPACES & NETWORKING:

AMP - Privately funded incubator and co-working space based in the North West of NI.

Awaken Hub - Community network that supports and connects women founders and entrepreneurs across Ireland and beyond.

Beltech - A tech conference held in Belfast, focusing on local innovation and connecting technologists.

Digital DNA - Focuses on accelerating the adoption of advanced digital technologies across the UK.

Innovation Factory - Purpose-built co-working space, flexible offices, and meeting rooms with on-site business support. Home to innovative freelancers, start-ups, and growing businesses. Belfast located.

Ormeau Labs - An award winning co-working space in the heart of Belfast.

Workhouse - A heritage hub and business facility offering co-working spaces and events.

NORTHERN IRELAND COUNCIL AREAS:

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council - Explore business support initiatives and development programs in Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

Ards and North Down Borough Council - Learn about business support initiatives in Ards and North Down Borough Council.

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council - Discover resources and opportunities for local businesses to thrive in the Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon areas.

Belfast City Council - Access tailored business support services and advice for entrepreneurs in the Belfast City council area.

Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council - Find out how Causeway Coast and Glens Council offers business advice and funding opportunities.

Derry City and Strabane District Council - Get the latest business resources and support for growth in the Derry and Strabane district council area.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council - Learn about Fermanagh and Omagh's business growth strategies and support programs.

Lisburn and Castlereagh Council - Access business development support services and advice tailored to Lisburn and Castlereagh.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council - Explore business opportunities and support services in the Mid and East Antrim region.

Mid Ulster District Council - Discover the business resources and support available for enterprises in the Mid Ulster area.