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    Last update 20/07/2025

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


    🔹 Introduction

    Mid & East Antrim Borough Council supports business growth through tailored grants, revitalisation projects, and access to government-backed loans. Whether you're launching a new venture or expanding an existing business, here are the latest funding opportunities for 2025.


    🔹 Grant & Loan Programmes

    1. Town Centre Shop Front Revitalisation Scheme

    • Purpose: 80% funding (up to £4,999) to improve commercial shopfronts in Ballymena, Larne, Carrickfergus, and Greenisland

    • Funding: £350,000 in Phase 2 completed across 77 premises by July 2025 (Department for Communities)

    • Status: Watch for next round—watch council updates

    • Link: Council announcement page on Phase 2 (nibusinessinfo.co.uk)

     

    2. MEA Grants Online Hub

     

    3. Additional Schemes & Competitions

    • Net Zero Business (MEANZ): Tailored support backed by £300k Innovate UK grant (gtr.ukri.org)

    • Tourism grants: Co‑operative Marketing Fund via Shaped by Sea & Stone (Mid & East Antrim)

    • Ballymena Seed Fund: £500 startup grants via local enterprise partners (Mid & East Antrim)

    • NI Small Business Loan Fund: Managed by Ulster Community Investment Trust (Mid & East Antrim)


    🔹 Government‑Backed Loans

    💼 Start‑Up Loans

    • Amount: £500–£25,000 with 6% fixed interest

    • Includes: 12 months' free mentoring

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

    • Link: Apply via GOV.UK (Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council)


    🔹 Key Resources

    • Mid & East Antrim Business Support Portal
      Home for grant info, diagnostics, sectoral programmes (Tourism NI - The Hub)

    • Go Succeed Business Support NI
      Council-led growth, diagnostics, female entrepreneurship and more (nibusinessinfo.co.uk)

    • Invest Northern Ireland
      Region-wide support for innovation, funding, export growth (Mid & East Antrim)


    🔹 Application Process

    1. Determine project — shopfront, green tech, tourism, startup

    2. Check eligibility and deadlines

    3. Gather documents: quotes, business plan, forecasts, photos

    4. Attend info sessions (especially for shopfront scheme)

    5. Apply online via Council portal or GOV.UK

    6. Monitor outcome — decisions vary by scheme


    🔹 Additional Tips


    🔹 Contact & Further Information


    🔹 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

     

    🔹 What is the Shop Front Revitalisation Scheme?
    Offers up to 80% funding (max £4,999) for shopfront improvements in Ballymena, Larne, Carrickfergus, and Greenisland. Phase 2 funded 77 projects with a £350k budget (startupgrant.co.uk, Department for Communities).

     

    🔹 Where do I apply for local grants?
    Use the MEA Grants Online Hub on the Council's Business Support portal (Tourism NI - The Hub).

     

    🔹 What is the MEANZ Business scheme?
    A net-zero focused programme offering tailored support for local businesses, backed by Innovate UK funding (~£300k) (gtr.ukri.org).

     

    🔹 Are there tourism or marketing grants?
    Yes—the Council works with "Shaped by Sea & Stone" to offer Co-operative Marketing Fund opportunities (midandeastantrim.gov.uk, Mid & East Antrim).

     

    🔹 How can I get a Small Business Loan?
    Access Start‑Up Loans via GOV.UK (£500–25,000, mentoring included).

     

    🔹 Where can I get business development support?
    Use Go Succeed services: diagnostics, growth planning, women’s network, food & drink network (nibusinessinfo.co.uk).

     

    🔹 Is there startup seed funding?
    Yes—Ballymena Seed Fund offers £500 to new local businesses (Mid & East Antrim).

     

    🔹 Where do I apply for innovation or green funding?
    Explore MEANZ for net-zero support, Invest NI for R&D vouchers, and Council diagnostics.

     

    🔹 Where can I get help completing an application?
    Contact the Business Support team at +44 (0)28 2563 3363 or email amplify@midandeastantrim.gov.uk.

     

     

     

     

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