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Last update 16/08/2024

Funding Opportunities in Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon: Grants & Loans for Startups & Small Businesses

Armagh City, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough Council actively support economic growth by offering a range of financial support options for startups and small businesses. Explore these grants and government-backed loans to fuel your business journey in the region.

Grant and Loan Programs:

Small Settlements Business Support Grant Scheme: Offers grants of up to £3,000 or £20,000 for businesses located within eligible areas with a population of between 1,000 and 4,999 residents to support capital works for their premises. Small Settlements Business Support Grant Scheme.
New Business Start-Up Grant Scheme: Provides a limited number of cash grants of up to £500 to assist with the development of new businesses across the borough. New Business Start-Up Grant Scheme.
Go For It Programme: Provides expert mentoring and support for individuals exploring a business idea or in the early stages of starting a business. Go For It Programme.
Start-Up Loans: Provides government-backed personal loans and mentoring for new businesses. Start Up Loans.

Key Resources:

Go For It Programme: Offers free expert advice and support to aspiring entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland. Go For It Programme.
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council - Business Support: The council's website offers details on local business support programs, including funding opportunities. Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council - Business Support.
Invest Northern Ireland: The regional economic development agency provides information on various funding programs and business support initiatives. Invest Northern Ireland.

Armagh City, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough Council Contact Details:

Phone: 0300 0300 900
Email: business.support@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk
Website: Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council

Advice on Applying

Contact Go For It or the Council: Reach out to the Go For It programme or the Armagh City, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough Council's business support team for personalized guidance on suitable funding options and application procedures.
Eligibility is Crucial: Review the specific criteria for each program carefully to confirm your business meets all requirements before applying.
Prepare a Thorough Application: Include a well-structured business plan, detailed financial projections, and a clear explanation of how the funding will support your business growth and benefit the local economy.
Meet Deadlines: Be mindful of application deadlines and submit your applications promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What types of funding are available for startups and small businesses in Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon?

Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon offer grants such as the Small Settlements Business Support Grant Scheme and the New Business Start-Up Grant Scheme, as well as government-backed loans like Start Up Loans.

2. How can I apply for the Small Settlements Business Support Grant Scheme?

Applications can be made through the NI Business Info website. Ensure your business is located in an eligible area and meets the program’s criteria.

3. What is the New Business Start-Up Grant Scheme, and how can it help my business?

The New Business Start-Up Grant Scheme provides grants of up to £500 to support new businesses in their early stages. For more details and to apply, visit New Business Start-Up Grant Scheme.

4. Who is eligible for the Go For It Programme?

The Go For It Programme is available to individuals exploring a business idea or in the early stages of starting a business. It provides expert mentoring and support to help refine business plans and strategies. Go For It Programme.

5. How do I apply for Start Up Loans?

You can apply for Start Up Loans online through the Start Up Loans website. The process includes submitting an application with details about your business idea and financial projections.

6. What should be included in my funding application?

Include a well-structured business plan, detailed financial projections, and a clear explanation of how the funding will support your business growth and benefit the local economy.

7. Are there specific deadlines for applying to these grants and loans?

Yes, each funding program may have its own deadlines. Check the specific deadlines for each grant or loan program to ensure your application is submitted on time.

8. Can I get assistance with preparing my application?

Yes, both the Go For It Programme and the Armagh City, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough Council’s business support team offer assistance with preparing your application.

9. How can I stay updated on new funding opportunities?

Stay informed by regularly checking the Armagh City, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough Council's business support page, subscribing to relevant newsletters, and contacting local business support organizations.

10. Are there other business support programs available in the area?

Yes, besides the grants and loans listed, the Armagh City, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough Council and Invest Northern Ireland offer additional resources and support initiatives. Visit their websites for the latest information.

By leveraging these funding opportunities and resources, entrepreneurs and small business owners in Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon can gain the financial support and expert guidance they need to thrive.

Value AD

CAN BE

ALTERNATIVE

INVESTMENT

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.

Value AD

CAN BE

ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT