🚀 Apply for £10k+ grants with our Startup Launch Kit
shadow shadow shadow shadow shadow
    Last update 20/07/2025

    2025 Grants & Loans for Startups & Small Businesses in Antrim & Newtownabbey, NI


    🔹 Introduction

    Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council fosters local entrepreneurship by offering mentoring, capital grants, and access to government-backed loans. Whether you're setting up or scaling your business, these funding opportunities can help fuel your growth in 2025.


    🔹 Grant & Loan Programmes

    1. Go Succeed Start (formerly “Go For It”)
    Purpose: One-to-one mentoring, masterclasses, and business planning support
    Eligibility: Open to entrepreneurs at any stage across Northern Ireland
    🔗 Go Succeed Start – NI Business Support (Antrim & Newtownabbey)


    2. Council Business Grants & Funding Hub
    Purpose: Includes multiple schemes such as shopfront improvements, CCTV, and equipment grants
    Where to apply: Register via the Council’s funding portal (Flexi-Grant)
    🔗 Antrim & Newtownabbey Online Funding Hub


    3. Town Centre Shopfront Improvement Scheme
    Purpose: Capital grants (up to £5,000) for external shopfront enhancements in town centres
    🔗 Shopfront Scheme Info – Council Business Grants


    4. CCTV Grant Programme
    Purpose: Funding for external CCTV installations to enhance business security
    🔗 Download Guidance & Apply
    📧 Email: regeneration@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk


    5. Rural Business Development Grants (DAERA)
    Purpose: Grants (50%, up to £4,999) for rural micro-businesses
    Status: 2024/25 round closed; future rounds expected
    🔗 NI Business Info – Rural Business Support


    🔹 Government‑Backed Loans

    💼 Start‑Up Loans
    Purpose: Personal, unsecured loans of £500–£25,000 at 6% fixed interest with 12 months’ mentoring
    Eligibility: UK residents aged 18+, business under 3 years
    🔗 Apply via GOV.UK – Start‑Up Loan


    🔹 Key Resources & Support


    🔹 Application Process

    1. Choose the scheme that matches your stage and goals

    2. Review eligibility on council or NI Business Info pages

    3. Gather documents: Business plan, ID, forecasts, quotes

    4. Attend required workshops if applicable

    5. Apply online via the Council portal or GOV.UK

    6. Wait for outcome—processing times vary by scheme


    🔹 Additional Tips

    • Attend business info sessions (typically April, July, October)

    • Combine schemes: e.g., Go Succeed mentoring + shopfront grant

    • Subscribe to the Council’s grants newsletter via the funding hub

    • Consult with your local enterprise agency for tailored guidance


    🔹 Contact & Further Information

    📞 Business Support Team: 0300 123 4568 or 028 9034 0000
    📧 Email: business.support@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk
    🌐 Website: antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/business


     

    🔹 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

     

    ▫️ What support does Go Succeed offer?
    One-to-one mentoring, webinars, masterclasses, and peer networking at all business stages.

     

    ▫️ How much is available via shopfront improvement grants?
    Up to £5,000 for town centre commercial premises.

     

    ▫️ Is CCTV grant funding available?
    Yes—funding covers external camera installations to improve business security.

     

    ▫️ Are rural grants still open?
    No—2024/25 is closed. Monitor Council and NI Business Info for new rounds.

     

    ▫️ How much can I borrow with a Start‑Up Loan?
    From £500 to £25,000 with fixed interest and free mentoring.

     

    ▫️ Can I apply for multiple schemes?
    Yes, depending on eligibility. Contact the Council for guidance.

     

    ▫️ What documents are needed?
    Typically: business plan, costed quotes, forecasts, ID, and proof of workshop attendance (if required).

     

    ▫️ Where can I get help applying?
    Call the Business Support Team or attend a local Go Succeed clinic.

     

     

     

    We use cookies and similar technologies that are necessary to operate the website.Please read our cookie policy.

    We use cookies and similar technologies that are necessary to operate the website. Additional cookies are only used with your consent. We use the additional cookies to perform analyses of website usage and to check marketing measures for their efficiency. These analyses are carried out to provide you with a better user experience on the website. You are free to give, deny, or withdraw your consent at any time by using the "cookie settings" link at the bottom of each page. You can consent to our use of cookies by clicking "Agree". For more information about what information is collected and how it is shared with our partners, please read our cookie policy.

    • Required to run the website
    • Monitoring website usage and optimizing the user experience
    • Evaluation of marketing actions
    • Storage of your preferences from previous visits
    • Collecting user feedback to improve our website
    • Recording of your interests in order to provide customised content and offers
    Cookie Settings Accept