Please find below information from Invest NI with opening dates for key programmes to support local businesses. These dates may be subject to change.
Business Innovation Grant (Business Innovation Grant (BIG) | Invest Northern Ireland)
BIG provides support to micro and SME businesses seeking to bring new products, services, or processes to market. Grants range from £5,000 to £20,000, covering up to 70% of eligible costs. Funding can be used for activities such as market research, product development, market entry, trade fairs, exhibitions, and more.
Successful applicants will also participate in Innovate NI’s programme, gaining access to additional guidance and support. Applicants do not need to be working on their business full-time. Please note that the Business Innovation Grant is only available to businesses that are not Invest NI Client Companies.
For any questions, please email big@investni.com.
Programme open: 10 August – 4 September 2026
Ambition to Grow (Ambition to Grow | Invest Northern Ireland)
ATG supports ambitious micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises with a determination to sell outside Northern Ireland by providing up to £45,000 in grant funding to accelerate business growth. The support helps businesses create jobs, innovate processes, and market their goods and services in export markets.
ATG is available to businesses that are not currently Invest NI Client Companies. However, businesses that are successful in securing support through ATG will become Invest NI Client Companies as part of the programme, enabling them to access ongoing guidance and support to help achieve their growth ambitions.
For any questions, please email atg@investni.com.
Programme open: 31 August – 18 September 2026
Ambition to Grow Supporting Women
ATG Supporting Women is designed for businesses where a woman holds a key decision-making role, such as CEO, Managing Director, Partner, or Founder, and can influence the strategic direction of the business.
Delivered in partnership with Women in Business NI, the programme offers up to £30,000 in funding towards job creation and market expansion, alongside access to guidance, networking, and peer support opportunities.
ATG Supporting Women is available to businesses that are not currently Invest NI Client Companies. However, businesses that are successful in securing support through ATG will become Invest NI Client Companies as part of the programme, enabling them to access ongoing guidance and support to help achieve their growth ambitions.
For any questions, please email atgsw@investni.com.
Programme open: 21 September – 2 October 2026
