Access to Finance funding to support start-ups and SMEs

The funding aims to help SMEs, start-ups and entrepreneurs break into new local and global markets, drive innovation, and support business expansion

Invest NI has launched a new round of Access to Finance funding.

The portfolio of three funds includes £100 million from Invest NI and is expected to attract over £150 million in private sector funding. As a result, a potential total investment of more than £250 million will be made over the next 10 years.

The funds are:

• TechStart Ventures: a £55 million fund managed by TechStart Ventures Fund Managers, including a £7 million Proof of Concept grant fund. It will help budding tech-focused entrepreneurs commercialise their innovative ideas.
• Co-Fund III: a £39 million fund managed by Clarendon Fund Managers. It will invest alongside private investors and business angels.
• NI Small Business Loan Fund III: a £6 million fund managed by Ulster Community Finance which will provide loans of between £10,000 and £125,000 for established micro-businesses and SMEs.

The funds operate on a commercial basis and are managed by Financial Conduct Authority approved fund managers who have responsibility for all investment decisions.

Access to Finance is open to any business in Northern Ireland that meets the individual fund criteria.

Find out more about Access to Finance funding.

First published 14 May 2025