Social Economy Incentive Fund 2025

Applications are open for Belfast’s Social Economy Incentive Fund 2025, supporting growth in local social enterprises

The Social Economy Incentive Fund is open to applications from Belfast-based social enterprises and co-operatives. The fund is for new and growing social enterprises aiming to grow and deliver impact in areas of social deprivation.

The application process is competitive. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to take part in a pitch event on Monday 24 November 2025.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible, organisations must be:

• located in Belfast City Council area
• operating and actively trading
• a registered social enterprise or co-operative organisation or in the process of completing this registration
• able to show how the funding will support their organisational and programme goals
• ready to start spending the funding within three months and complete spending within 12 months

Costs eligible for funding

The Social Economy Incentive Fund can only be used to grow or expand the organisation and its activities.

Funding can be used for:

• support, including equipment to help achieve growth
• set up costs
• skills development and specialist mentoring support
• new licences or subscriptions not already covered by other programmes

The fund cannot be used for existing operational costs such as rent, rates, utilities, or staff salaries. It also excludes personal purchases, charitable donations, and items not directly linked to business use.

Prize fund

The prize fund is split into two categories:

• Start-up Grant - up to £7,500 for organisations operating for less than three years, with a clear plan to increase revenue within 12 months.
• Growth Grant - up to £10,000 on a match funding basis for organisations operating for three years or more. The grant will cover up to 50% of eligible costs, with applicants required to match the amount awarded.

Get more information and apply to Social Economy Fund 2025.

First published 17 October 2025