Latest News - April 2026

From 1 to 7 May 2026, Belfast will showcase multidisciplinary design with workshops, talks and networking for creative businesses and individuals.

Businesses and independent traders are encouraged to find out about potential opportunities available through the Fleadh.

Businesses across Northern Ireland can sign up for the 2026 Active Travel Challenge, a free initiative promoting healthier and more sustainable travel during June.

Businesses are urged to sign up to this campaign which is designed to boost visibility, drive footfall and encourage people to spend locally.

Freight Innovation Fund opens for applications, offering support and funding to innovators with ideas to tackle the sector's biggest challenges.

Training bursaries of up to £4,000 are available for new entrants and early-career UK craftspeople facing financial hardship.

Free FSA food safety guidance and training for businesses.

Grants of up to £2,500 are available to craft practitioners and organisations working on projects to support craft survival.

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Heritage Crafts Awards, celebrating makers in traditional crafts, such as silversmithing, weaving and leatherworking.

Register now to join the new PRISM Programme and get free, practical support to help your manufacturing business adopt immersive technologies, AI and digital twins.

This pilot programme supports early-stage ideas and concepts that could transform clean maritime.

Food and drink businesses have the opportunity to showcase their products at the upcoming agriculture shows.

Funding is now available through the Shared Island Civic Society Fund to support community-focused organisations.
 

Entries are now open for the 2026 Northern Ireland Women in Tech Awards.

Social Enterprise NI offers one‑to‑one support to help social enterprises plan their marketing.

Up to £150,000 is available for immersive works of fiction from experienced UK producers and creative leads.

Share your views on the draft secondary legislation for the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

PEACEPLUS project is helping organisations improve how they measure and report social impact.

Join this worldwide initiative from 15 to 21 April to celebrate creativity by hosting or attending local events and finding support for your business innovation.

Join Innovate UK, Invest Northern Ireland and partners on 20 May 2026 to learn about innovation support and funding options, and network for growth.

Free workshops in Belfast and Derry~Londonderry to help businesses learn about Horizon Europe and how to access funding for innovation.

Attend free Regional Business Advice Clinics for support on growth, market expansion, and more.