Antrim and Newtownabbey business support

There are several organisations in Antrim and Newtownabbey which offer support to help you grow your business.

Growth and support schemes for established businesses

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council runs support programmes for business growth and development. Current programmes include:

Cultural Grant Aid and Bursary Programme

The Cultural Grant Aid and Bursary Programme is for projects that develop artistic talent and knowledge, showcase the arts and promote participation and inclusion, celebrate shared heritage, and contribute to the understanding of minority languages and cultural diversity.

Find out more about Cultural Grant Aid and Bursary Programme.

Out of Town Centre Shopfront Improvement Programme

The Out of Town Centre Shopfront Improvement Programme is open to premises with commercial shop-frontage facing the street within the project area.

Find out more about Out of Town Centre Shopfront Improvement Programme.

Rural Business Development Grant Scheme

The Rural Business Development Grant Scheme can provide funding of up to 50% of costs for capital items up to a maximum of £7,500. The minimum grant awarded will be £500. The total cost of the capital project must be a minimum of £1,000 and must not exceed £30,000.

Find out more about Rural Business Development Grant Scheme.

LEP Business Digitisation Programme

Ask Programme

The Ask Programme offers up to ten hours of free one-to-one mentoring. Mentors help businesses overcome challenges, embrace innovation, develop new skills, improve efficiency, and access funding opportunities.

Find out more about the Ask Programme.

Go Succeed - Grow and Scale

Support is available if your business is already established and is now ready to expand, but growth is slow and you're not sure how to progress. Or if your business is ready to go to the next level locally and internationally but you need guidance, support or resources to achieve your ambitions. Business advisors will provide tailored support to help your business achieve its ambitions.

Find out more about the Go Succeed support for existing businesses.

Social Enterprise Thematic Programme

Support 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.

Support scheme for female entrepreneurs

Women into Leadership Programme

The Women into Leadership Programme provides personalised support, development of leadership skills, and the opportunity to earn an accredited qualification.

Find out more about the Women into Leadership Programme. 

Local enterprise agencies

Enterprise Northern Ireland agencies provide business improvement programmes, financing, events, workspace and meeting space. There are three local enterprise agencies in Antrim and Newtownabbey:

• Antrim Enterprise Agency
• LEDCOM
• Mallusk Enterprise Park

Tender for council contracts

You can seek tender opportunities as a way to grow your business in Antrim and Newtownabbey. The council offers public tenders throughout the year in a wide range of business areas.

Find out more about tendering for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council contracts.

Invest Northern Ireland support for business

Invest NI can help your business compete successfully and function more efficiently by providing support across a variety of areas.

Find out more about the Invest NI support for business.