Ambition to Grow programme: January 2026

Opportunity for businesses that want to create jobs and grow sales outside NI 

Invest Northern Ireland's Ambition to Grow programme is designed to support innovative micro, small and medium-sized businesses that want to scale, create employment and move into new markets outside Northern Ireland.

Successful applicants can access up to £45,000 in funding to accelerate their growth plans. The funding package includes:

• up to £30,000 towards employment within the business
• up to £10,000 for market, product or skills development
• £5,000 when you complete an Export Health Check, Innovate NI Self-Assessment and attend two Ambition to Grow workshops

The programme is open to Northern Ireland businesses that can demonstrate clear plans to grow sales outside NI and create additional employment. To be considered, your business should:

• have a product or service suitable for selling outside Northern Ireland
• have the potential to increase new employment within the business
• be able to demonstrate the need for government support
• have annual turnover under around £2 million or sales outside NI less than £250,000

Download the Ambition to Grow guidance notes (PDF, 1.7MB) to read the full criteria.

How to apply

The Ambition to Grow application has two stages. First, you must complete the online form, which Invest NI will assess against the programme criteria. 

If your application scores well, they will invite you to a validation meeting to confirm your details. If you pass this meeting and complete the required Know Your Customer checks, you will receive grant support to help create new jobs and grow your business.

The Ambition to Grow January 2026 call closed for applications on 30 January 2026.

First published 31 December 2025