Start a social enterprise
Financial support for social enterprises in Northern Ireland
Various financial schemes and programmes provide dedicated assistance specifically for social enterprises, to help them start or grow.
Support schemes for starting and expanding social enterprises
Social Enterprise Thematic Programme
Support is offered for social enterprises to elevate their skills through one-on-one mentoring and online workshops, focusing on fundraising, digital marketing, and social impact planning - find out more about the Social Enterprise Thematic Programme.
Social Enterprise Bootcamp
Bespoke mentoring and exclusive workshops is provided to help enhance the skills of social enterprises which are actively trading with ambitions to grow - find out more about the Social Enterprise Bootcamp.
Social Enterprise and Co-operative Support
Assistance is available for individuals or groups interested in starting a new social enterprise or co-operative, or for organisations currently relying on funding and wanting to explore moving to a social enterprise or co-operative model – find out more about the Social Enterprise and Co-operative Support.
Green Support Scheme
The Green Support Scheme supports local businesses and social enterprises to implement sustainable practices, reduce carbon emissions, and create a bespoke Carbon Reduction Action Plan - find out more about the Green Support Scheme.
Harnessing Heritage Programme
The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) helps communities across the UK find enterprising new ways to revitalise old buildings through advice, grants, and social investment loans - find out more about the Harnessing Heritage Programme.
Village Catalyst Programme
The Architectural Heritage (AHF) funds the Village Catalyst Programme, an innovative partnership scheme aiming to help target rural poverty and social isolation via the reuse of historic buildings - find out more about the Village Catalyst Programme.
Millenium Awards Trust
The Millennium Awards are open to any social entrepreneur aged 16 years and older tackling a range of social issues - find out more about the Millenium Awards Trust.
National Lottery Awards for All Northern Ireland
The National Lottery Awards for All Northern Ireland provides funding from £300 to £20,000 to support community-led projects for up to two years - find out more about the National Lottery Awards for All Northern Ireland.
Community Finance Ireland Loan
The Community Finance Ireland Loan is available to social enterprises, community projects and sports clubs across all of Ireland - find out more about the Community Finance Ireland Loan.
Business finance and support finder
Our Business Support Finder helps you find publicly funded assistance specific to your business. It lists support in various forms, including financial aid and free or subsidised advice services. Search the Northern Ireland business support finder.