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    Last update 20/07/2025

    2025 Grants & Loans for Startups & Small Businesses in Fermanagh & Omagh, NI


    🔹 Introduction

    Fermanagh & Omagh District Council supports local entrepreneurship through tailored grants, rural investment schemes, and government‑backed loans. Whether you’re launching a new venture or expanding an existing one, here are the top funding options available in 2025.


    🔹 Grant & Loan Programmes

    1. Go Succeed Start (formerly Go For It)

    Purpose: Expert mentoring, diagnostics and planning support for aspiring entrepreneurs.
    Eligibility: Open to individuals across Northern Ireland.
    🔗 Go Succeed Start – NI Business Support


    2. Rural Business Development Grant Scheme

    Purpose: Capital grants (50%) for rural micro‑businesses to invest in equipment, machinery, or e‑commerce.
    Amount: £500–£4,999 per business, up to 50% of eligible costs.
    Eligibility: Rural micro‑enterprises with under 10 staff and actively trading. Mandatory pre‑application workshop.
    🔗 Rural Business Grant – FODC (Fermanagh & Omagh District Council, startupgrant.co.uk, daera-ni.gov.uk)


    3. Enterprise Development Grant

    Purpose: Capital support for SMEs aiming to grow, boosting job creation and economic impact.
    Amount: Up to £2,500 per property or business.
    Eligibility: Small and medium enterprises located within the district.
    🔗 Business Grants – FODC (Fermanagh & Omagh District Council)


    4. Social Enterprise Support Fund

    Purpose: Grants to help social enterprises expand reach and deepen community impact.
    Eligibility: Social enterprises based in Fermanagh & Omagh.
    🔗 Apply via the Grant Aid section on the Council’s website (Fermanagh & Omagh District Council)


    5. Strategic Capital Projects Grant

    Purpose: Funding for larger community or voluntary-led capital projects.
    Amount:


    🔹 Government‑Backed Loans

    💼 Start‑Up Loans

    Purpose: Personal, unsecured loans to help start or grow a business.
    Amount: £500–£25,000 at 6% fixed interest, with 12 months’ mentoring.
    Eligibility: UK residents aged 18+, business trading under 3 years.
    🔗 Apply via GOV.UK – Start‑Up Loan


    🔹 Key Resources & Support


    🔹 Application Process

    1. Identify which scheme fits your project (startup, rural investment, grant aid).

    2. Check eligibility criteria and deadlines on the Council portal.

    3. Gather documentation: business plan, quotes, forecasts, ID.

    4. Attend required workshops or clinics (e.g. for rural grants)

    5. Submit applications online via the Council or GOV.UK portal.

    6. Await your decision—processing times vary by scheme.


    🔹 Additional Tips

    • Workshops are mandatory for rural and capital grant applications.

    • Combine funding options, such as a Start‑Up Loan with a rural or enterprise grant.

    • Subscribe to the Council’s Grant Aid mailing list for announcements. (NI Business Info, startupgrant.co.uk, fermanaghenterprise.com, daera-ni.gov.uk)

    • Reach out to enterprise agencies for one-on-one support.


    🔹 Contact & Further Information


    🔹 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

     

    🔹 What support does Go Succeed provide?
    Free business mentoring, diagnostics and startup guidance via enterprise agencies funded by the Council.

     

    🔹 Who qualifies for the Rural Business Investment Scheme?
    Rural micro-businesses (under 10 staff) trading in eligible areas can apply for up to £4,999 capital grant at 50% match funding. (Fermanagh & Omagh District Council, govfundingpublic.nics.gov.uk, startupgrant.co.uk)

     

    🔹 What does the Enterprise Development Grant cover?
    Grants up to £2,500 towards growth projects like the purchase of equipment or digital improvements. (Fermanagh & Omagh District Council)

     

    🔹 Who can access Strategic Capital Funding?
    Voluntary/community groups with large-scale projects can apply for up to £300,000. (Facebook)

     

    🔹 How much can I borrow with a Start‑Up Loan?
    Between £500 and £25,000 at a fixed 6%, with 12 months of mentoring included.

     

    🔹 Are workshops mandatory?
    Yes, especially those related to rural business grants. (Fermanagh & Omagh District Council)

     

    🔹 Can I apply for multiple grants or loans?
    Yes—subject to eligibility. Council advisors and Go Succeed can guide combinations.

     

    🔹 How do I submit applications?
    Use the Council’s Grant Aid portal or GOV.UK for Start‑Up Loans.

     

    🔹 Where can I get help preparing my application?
    Call the investment unit at 0300 303 1777 or email grants@fermanaghomagh.com.

     

     

     

     

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