The NI business support landscape changed substantially in 2023 when Go Succeed replaced the previous NIBSUP. It's now the universal start-up support service, free to anyone with a business idea or trading less than 3 years. Above that level, Invest NI handles growth and export-oriented businesses, while Techstart NI is the main equity investor for tech startups.
Direct answer
Northern Ireland is the only UK nation where new founders have access to a fully-funded universal start-up programme — Go Succeed — alongside Invest NI for scaling businesses, Techstart NI for tech equity, and 11 local council enterprise programmes. Use the key facts, step list and official source links on this page to confirm the decision before you spend money or register anything.
- Go Succeed support
- Free, all founders
- Invest NI grants
- Project-based, varies
- Techstart NI fund
- Up to £1.25m
- Halo Angels NI
- £50k–£500k
Section 01
Go Succeed — the universal start-up programme
Free 1:1 mentoring, workshops, a digital business plan tool and a structured 'Launch' programme. Delivered by all 11 NI councils with a single online front door at gosucceed.com. Includes a dedicated track for under-30s, women-led businesses, social enterprises and rural businesses. The best free start-up support in the UK if you're based in NI.
Section 02
Invest NI
- R&D grants for innovative projects — typically 25–50% of eligible R&D spend.
- Capital grants for projects creating jobs (rates vary by location and project type).
- Trade development and export support, including TradeNI international missions.
- Account management for high-potential scaleups, with embedded advisors.
- Innovation Vouchers — small grants (~£5k) to access university expertise.
- Note: Invest NI focuses on businesses that can grow significantly. Under 10 employees you'll usually be routed via Go Succeed instead.
Section 03
Equity and lending
- Techstart NI — early-stage equity investment up to £1.25m for tech startups.
- Co-Fund NI — match-funds angel investments from approved syndicates.
- Halo Business Angel Network — NI's main angel network, monthly pitch sessions.
- Ulster Community Investment Trust (UCIT) — CDFI loans where banks decline.
- Whiterock Finance — lending for established NI SMEs.
- Crescent Capital — growth-stage venture capital for NI-headquartered businesses.
Section 04
Council enterprise programmes
All 11 NI councils run their own enterprise support alongside Go Succeed, often funded via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Peace Plus. Belfast City Council's Smart Belfast and Translink Innovation programmes, Derry City & Strabane's Catalyst Inc partnership, and Mid & East Antrim's Manufacturing Made Smarter are among the most active. Schemes change frequently — check your council's economic development page.
Section 05
Sector-specific support
- Tourism NI — grants and marketing co-investment for tourism businesses.
- CAFRE (College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise) — agri-food business development.
- Future Screens NI — funding for film, TV, animation and games.
- DAERA Rural Business Development Grant — capital grants for rural diversification.
- Catalyst — NI's main tech ecosystem hub, runs accelerators including INVENT, Co-Founders and CoFoundHer.
Section 06
Cross-border and EU-linked funding
Uniquely in the UK, NI businesses retain some access to EU-linked programmes through the Peace Plus programme (€1.1bn for the 2021–2027 period) and InterTradeIreland's cross-border schemes. These include the Acumen sales programme, FUSION technology transfer programme and the Co-Innovate cross-border R&D programme. Several NI businesses also remain eligible for Horizon Europe collaborations through the UK's associate membership.
Section 07
Realistic next steps
- 01
Register on Go Succeed
Free, takes 10 minutes. You'll be assigned a council-based advisor within a week.
- 02
Apply for an Innovation Voucher if you're R&D-curious
Small (~£5k) grants to access university expertise, with light-touch applications and fast decisions.
- 03
Pitch to Halo Angels if you're equity-ready
Monthly pitch sessions, SEIS/EIS-friendly, NI-specific syndicate dynamics.
- 04
Speak to Invest NI if you employ 10+ or are export-focused
Get account-managed — the relationship makes future support far easier to access.
Partner offers
Before you go — claim your reader offers
Two offers we recommend to every UK founder. Codes are exclusive to readers of this guide.
Business banking
Reader offerTide Business Account
Up to £200 cash
£75 after at least £100 of eligible Tide card transactions in 30 days, plus £125 when the separate Tide Instant Saver milestone is met.
REFER200New customers only. Terms, eligibility and payment timing apply.
Business credit card
Reader offerCapital on Tap Business Credit Card
7,500 bonus points
7,500 bonus points after a completed qualifying card or cash transaction in the three months after approval, subject to Capital on Tap’s current partner terms.
SETTINGUP18+, UK-resident qualifying company applicants. Credit subject to status and affordability.
18+ and UK requirements apply. Tide: £75 after at least £100 of eligible Tide card transactions in 30 days, plus £125 when the separate Tide Instant Saver milestone is met. New customers only. Terms, eligibility and payment timing apply. Capital on Tap: 7,500 bonus points after a completed qualifying card or cash transaction in the three months after approval, subject to Capital on Tap’s current partner terms. 18+, UK-resident qualifying company applicants. Credit subject to status and affordability. We may receive a commission if you sign up; it does not change the provider’s offer or pricing.