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

    2025 Grants & Loans for Startups & Small Businesses in Belfast, NI


    🔹 Introduction

    Belfast offers a vibrant ecosystem for startups and small businesses. The city council provides mentoring, capital grants, and access to UK-wide government-backed loans to support entrepreneurs at every stage.


    🔹 Government‑Backed Loans

    💼 Start‑Up Loans

    • Purpose: Personal, unsecured loans to start or expand your business

    • Amount: £500–£25,000 at a fixed 6% interest rate

    • Includes: 12 months of free mentoring support

    • Eligibility: UK residents, aged 18+, business trading under 3 years

    • 🔗 Apply via GOV.UK – Start‑Up Loan


    🔹 Key Resources & Support


    🔹 Application Process

    1. Identify the right support—Start‑Up Loan or business mentoring/growth services

    2. Check eligibility and current openings on GOV.UK or City Council sites

    3. Assemble documentation—business plan, financial forecasts, ID, etc.

    4. Register for Go Succeed—complete online form or call their team (Belfast City Council, cityofbelfast.org)

    5. Apply online—Start‑Up Loans via GOV.UK; business support via Council portal

    6. Await outcome—decision timelines vary by programme


    🔹 Additional Tips

    • Attend workshops and networking events hosted by Go Succeed

    • Combine resources, such as pairing a Start‑Up Loan with council support

    • Stay notified—subscribe to the Economic Development mailing list

    • Expand using smart tools like XpandAccess® tailored to local business needs (Belfast City Council, smartbelfast.city)


    🔹 Contact & Further Information


    🔹 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

     

    🔹 What funding is available for new businesses in Belfast?
    You can access Start‑Up Loans (£500–£25,000) via GOV.UK, alongside local mentoring through Go Succeed and Belfast City Council grants.

     

    🔹 How can I register with Go Succeed?
    Complete the online registration via Belfast City Council’s City for Business portal, or call 028 9027 0482 (NI Business Info, Belfast City Council).

     

    🔹 What support does Go Succeed offer?
    They offer one-to-one mentoring, workshops, growth clinics, and networking, tailored to start‑grow‑scale needs (Belfast City Council, NI Business Info).

     

    🔹 How much can I borrow through Start‑Up Loans?
    You can borrow £500–£25,000 with a 6% fixed interest rate and mentoring for up to 12 months.

     

    🔹 Can I combine support from the Council and a loan?
    Absolutely. You can use Start‑Up Loans alongside council-led mentoring or innovation grants.

     

    🔹 What documents do I need?
    Prepare a business plan, financial forecasts, quotes (if applicable), ID, and proof of registration.

     

    🔹 Are there digital tools tailored for Belfast businesses?
    Yes—tools like XpandAccess® help match businesses with local funding and support options (startupgrant.co.uk, cityofbelfast.org, smartbelfast.city).

     

    🔹 Where can I get help preparing my application?
    Contact the Economic Development Team at 028 9027 0482, or attend a Go Succeed Start clinic via the Council portal.

     

     

     

     

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