Business Support Programmes

Funded opportunities can help your business grow through equipping you with new skills, increasing your business capabilities and more.

In this section

COVID-19 Business Support

Has your business been affected by COVID-19? Find out what support is available for your business.

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A wide range of grants and funded opportunities are available to small businesses in Ards and North Down. We’ll help you discover the right funding support for your business, to equip you with the skills and resources needed to expand and grow.

Funded opportunities include European Funded Programmes or programmes run by Ards and North Down Borough Council and may run in partnership with other organisations. Please note that applications are subject to certain criteria being met.

Current Programmes

  • E-Commerce Journey

    The 'E-commerce Journey' is a support package for businesses and entrepreneurs from the creative industries based in the Ards and North Down Borough Council area. 

  • SHINE Programme

    The Shine Programme is the Council’s principal business support and growth programme. The programme is continuing to deliver and provide  mentoring support and specialist business advice to help businesses to navigate through the current COVID—19 crisis.

  • The Digital Growth Programme

    Supporting the development of existing and new digital skills and digital aspects of business from all sectors to achieve growth.

     

  • Go For It - Create your business plan

    So you have a great idea and are thinking of starting a business? Don’t just wing it. Create a business plan – it’s your roadmap to business success.

     

Other programmes include:

Grants

Grantfinder

Grantfinder is a database of available grants from across the UK. It can be searched and filtered specifically to find any grants that would be applicable to individual SME's, Social Enterprises or charities. 

To find out more about Grantfinder, email Tory Killen, Business Researcher

NI Business Info

Find more information on grant availability and eligibility for your business with this comprehensive online guide from NI Business Info.

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Not sure which programme is for you? Contact us to find out more about which programme suits your needs.

Email us