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    Last update 20/07/2025

    2025 Grants & Loans for Small Businesses in Newry, Mourne & Down, NI


    🔹 Introduction

    Newry, Mourne & Down District Council actively supports entrepreneurs through mentoring, grants, and loans. Whether you're launching or scaling up, this guide provides current funding options and expert resources to help you succeed in 2025.


    🔹 Grant & Loan Programmes

    1. Go For It Programme

     

    2. Social Enterprise Support (NM&D)

    • Purpose: Advice and assistance for social enterprise development

    • Delivered by: Social Enterprise NM&D in partnership with the council

    • Link: See the council’s Grants & Funding portal (Supporting Communities)

     

    3. Financial Assistance Grants

     

    4. Rural Business Development Grant Scheme

    • Purpose: Small capital grants for rural micro-businesses

    • Amounts: £500–£4,999 covering up to 50% of eligible costs (daera-ni.gov.uk)

    • Eligibility: Rural NI, <10 staff, trading businesses only

    • Link: DAERA Rural Business Grant guidance (daera-ni.gov.uk)

     

    5. PEACEPLUS Skills & Leadership Programmes

    • Purpose: Free training and mentoring in digital, leadership, and civic engagement

    • Delivered by: SERC in partnership with NM&D Council

    • Start Date: September 2025 – register interest online (SERC)


    🔹 Government‑Backed Loans

    💼 Start‑Up Loans (NI & UK-wide)

    • Amount: £500–£25,000

    • Interest: Fixed 6%

    • Includes: Free mentoring for 12 months

    • Eligibility: UK residents, age 18+, business <3 years old

    • Link: GOV.UK Start‑Up Loan


    🔹 Key Resources & Support

    • NM&D Council Business Support & Grants Portal
      Central hub for all local funding info and applications (newrymournedown.org, newrymournedown.org)

    • Invest Northern Ireland
      Regional body offering grants, loans, and advisory services

    • Enterprise Agencies & NI-wide Programmes
      Go For It mentoring is delivered locally through agencies across NI


    🔹 Application Process

    1. Identify need (e.g. mentoring, equipment, community themes)

    2. Check eligibility for a specific grant/loan

    3. Prepare documents: business plan, finances, diagnostics, quotes, ID

    4. Attend workshops (if required) ­– e.g. funding portal training, diagnostics

    5. Apply via the portal or GOV.UK, depending on the scheme

    6. Await decision – timing varies; rounds close at set dates (e.g. May 2025)


    🔹 Additional Tips


    🔹 Contact & Further Information


    🔹 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

     

    🔹 What is the Go For It Programme?
    Free mentoring for early business ideas, delivered via enterprise agencies and funded by the council/Invest NI. (newrymournedown.org)

     

    🔹 Who can apply for social enterprise support?
    Individuals or groups developing social enterprise in NM&D; details via the Grants portal.

     

    🔹 What themes are included in financial assistance grants?
    Themes include sports, tourism, community facilities, Irish language, good relations, and more. (m.facebook.com, newrymournedown.org, Supporting Communities)

     

    🔹 When is the next funding round?
    Call 2 ran from 31 March until 23 May 2025; future rounds are announced via the council. (Supporting Communities, Supporting Communities)

     

    🔹 What is the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme?
    A DAERA-provided grant offering up to £4,999 for capital investment in rural micro-businesses. (daera-ni.gov.uk)

     

    🔹 Can I get business loans?
    Yes—Start‑Up Loans of £500–£25,000 are available UK-wide with mentoring included.

     

    🔹 Is training available?
    Yes—PEACEPLUS-funded digital and leadership programmes begin in Sept 2025 with SERC. (SERC)

     

    🔹 Are there application workshops?
    Yes—portal training and funding clinics are held online/in person; check Supporting Communities and council pages. (Supporting Communities)

     

    🔹 Where can I apply and get help?
    Applications via Smart Simple EGMS, plus phone/email support at 0330 137 4040 or grantsandfunding@nmandd.org. (Supporting Communities)

     

     

     

     

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