Grants & Funding (Business)

Grants & Funding (Business)Funding for businesses is available from a variety of different sources for various sectors of the economy.  This is a constantly changing landscape and there are many different avenues of information open to you.  Internet search engines have made information about grants and assistance much more accessible.

Particular funders may target for example rural businesses or historic buildings.  Others may provide training or employment assistance.  All offers of grant assistance will be accompanied by their own terms and conditions that should be considered carefully.

If you would like to speak to someone about the options that may be available or need general advice, you can contact the Regeneration and Development Department.

Useful sources of information:

Inter Trade Ireland
Inter Trade Ireland is the only organisation which supports SMEs across the island to develop North/South trade and business development opportunities for the mutual benefit of both economies. Go to www.intertradeireland.com
Invest NI
Invest NI is Northern Ireland’s regional business development agency.  Their role is to grow the local economy by supporting new and existing businesses to compete internationally, and by attracting new investment to Northern Ireland.  Go to www.investni.com
NI Business Info
NI Business Info is a great one stop shop for business information.  It has a useful ‘Business Support Finder’ in its ‘Directories’ section. Go to www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk
Northern Ireland Environment Agency
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency administers the Historic Building Grant Aid Scheme for listed or thatched buildings.  Go to www.doeni.gov.uk/niea
Princes Trust
The Princes Trust Enterprise programme helps unemployed young people aged 18-30 to work out if their business ideas are viable and whether self-employment is right for them.  Go to www.princes-trust.org.uk
SOAR

SOAR [Southern Organisation for Action in Rural areas] is the Joint Committee and Local Action Group for the Armagh, Craigavon and Newry & Mourne Council areas.

We are responsible for the administration of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 (NIRDP) within the rural areas of Armagh, Craigavon and Newry. The NIRDP is part financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and is managed by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Contact Details
SOAR Rural Development
Armagh City and District Council
The Palace Demesne
Armagh
BT60 4EL
Tel: 028 3752 9618
Fax: 028 3752 9601
Email: armagh@soarni.org
Website: www.soarni.org

Contact Details
Regeneration & Development Department
Armagh City and District Council
The Palace Demesne
Armagh
BT60 4EL
Tel: 028 3752 9642
Fax: 028 3752 9631
Email: regeneration@armagh.gov.uk