CAN BE
100% FREE
BUSINESS TOOl

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.
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)
Purpose: Central access point for all Council-administered grants
Types: Economic development, social enterprise, training, community grants
Link: Visit the Business Support portal at Mid & East Antrim Borough Council (Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council, daera-ni.gov.uk, Tourism NI - The Hub)
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)
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)
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)
Determine project — shopfront, green tech, tourism, startup
Check eligibility and deadlines
Gather documents: quotes, business plan, forecasts, photos
Attend info sessions (especially for shopfront scheme)
Apply online via Council portal or GOV.UK
Monitor outcome — decisions vary by scheme
Sign up for information workshops from the Council
Stay connected with Shaped by Sea & Stone for tourism funding (nibusinessinfo.co.uk, constructionireland.ie, Mid & East Antrim)
Use Go Succeed for diagnostics and growth planning
Combine funding — e.g. startup loan plus grant
📞 Business Support Team: +44 (0)28 2563 3363 or amplify@midandeastantrim.gov.uk (Tourism NI - The Hub, startupgrant.co.uk)
🌐 Visit: midandeastantrim.gov.uk/business (Tourism NI - The Hub)
Start‑Up Loans: via GOV.UK
Invest NI & Innovation Grants: via Invest NI portal
🔹 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.
Value Ad helps new businesses save 50% to 80% on essential services like marketing and
development. These savings act as an alternative investment, fueling growth.
Service providers gain valuable initial customers, helping them grow and attract investment.
It's a win-win for everyone!
This App/website is not affiliated with any government agency. We collect and organize information from publicly available government websites and provide direct links to these official sources.
For accurate details and to apply for grants or loans, please visit the relevant government websites linked within the App/website.
What is Value Ad?
Value Ad is an innovative policy designed to foster a mutually beneficial relationship between two key groups: new businesses and service providers. This policy helps startups save significantly on essential services while enabling service providers to gain valuable traction and growth opportunities.
How is it a Win-Win Deal?
For New Businesses:
Cost Savings: Startups can save 50% to 80% on essential services such as website development and marketing. This means they don’t need to invest heavily upfront, making it easier to launch and grow their business.
Alternative Investment: The money saved through these discounts can be reinvested into other critical areas of the business, acting as an alternative investment that fuels further growth and development.
For Service Providers:
Initial Customer Base: Service providers, often tech startups themselves, can attract a significant number of initial customers by offering their services at a discounted rate. This helps them build traction and demonstrate value, which is crucial for attracting venture capital (VC) funding and other opportunities.
Marketing Efficiency: By providing affordable services, service providers do not need to spend heavily on marketing to acquire new customers. The discounted services themselves become a powerful marketing tool, bringing in customers who can spread the word and enhance the provider’s reputation.
Growth and Expansion: Attracting more customers through Value Ad helps service providers expand their client base and build long-term relationships, which can lead to increased revenue and business growth.
Alternative Investment for New Businesses:
For new businesses, the significant cost savings achieved through the Value Ad policy effectively serve as an alternative investment. Instead of spending large amounts on website development and marketing, they can leverage the affordable services provided by service providers. The saved funds can be redirected into other strategic areas of the business, enhancing overall growth and sustainability.
Benefits for Service Providers:
Service providers benefit from the Value Ad policy by gaining access to a ready pool of new customers who are drawn by the discounted rates. This initial customer base is crucial for:
Building Traction: Demonstrating product or service viability to potential investors.
Securing Funding: Enhanced customer traction and a growing user base can make the service provider more attractive to venture capitalists and other funding sources.
Market Penetration: Establishing a presence in the market quickly and efficiently without heavy marketing expenditures.
In Summary:
Value Ad is a strategic policy designed to create a win-win scenario for both new businesses and service providers. By offering significant discounts on essential services, startups can save and reinvest those savings, while service providers gain crucial initial customers and market traction. This mutually beneficial arrangement supports the growth and success of both groups, making Value Ad a powerful tool for business development and investment.
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