Cluster Acceleration Programme
The Cluster Acceleration Programme aims to boost innovation and productivity among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Northern Ireland by supporting and funding the formation of business clusters.
The Cluster Acceleration programme is open to all SMEs in Northern Ireland who meet the eligibility criteria.
To be eligible:
- Applications for Phase 1 funding must be submitted by business-led networks, consisting of a minimum of 8 Northern Ireland SMEs. One of the SMEs must be an Invest NI customer and be willing to take on the Letter of Offer on behalf of the network.
- The remaining members of a network may include representatives of large companies, and other stakeholders such as academic institutions and public sector organisations.
- To be considered for Phase 2, emerging clusters must have completed a Phase 1 feasibility study and a developed cluster business model.
- Applications for Phase 2 will be made available within the next 12 months.
The Cluster Acceleration Programme offers financial support for groups of SMEs that want to work together to scope and exploit opportunities that could enhance their competitiveness.
Collaborating with others can help your business to reduce risk and leverage additional knowledge and resources. Funding provided by the programme helps SMEs to work together to explore opportunities arising from new products, services, or ways of working. It can also help to collectively tackle challenges relating to skills, productivity and sustainability.
Clusters are business-led groups made up of industry, government and academia, capital investors, venture capitalists and entrepreneurs that are linked by their economic activities.
Clusters formed via the programme will include and serve:
- Startups
- Scale ups
- Accelerators
- Incubators
- Business angels
- Venture firms
- Large investment companies
The deadline for applications is 3pm on Friday 20 December 2024.
- Invest Northern Ireland