🚀 Apply for £10k+ grants with our Startup Launch Kit

Learn More

Get Support

National Grants

National Grants Get My Funding Pack How To Apply Eligibility Create Business Plan Preparation For Grants Get Support

Last update 20/07/2025

Request a call

2025 Grants & Loans for Startups & Small Businesses in Derry City & Strabane, NI

🔹 Introduction

Derry City & Strabane District Council supports local enterprises through tailored mentoring, capital grants, and access to UK-wide government-backed loans. Whether you're taking your first business step or aiming to scale up, explore the 2025 funding opportunities below.

🔹 Grant & Loan Programmes

1. Go Succeed Start

Purpose: Expert mentoring and business planning support for startups.
Eligibility: Aspiring entrepreneurs across Northern Ireland.
🔗 [Go Succeed Start – NI Business Support](Derry City & Strabane)

2. Start‑Up Grant Programme

Purpose: Micro‑grants to cover startup costs.
Amount: £500.
Eligibility: Businesses under 12 months old, UK-based, not receiving other government funding.
🗓️ No current deadline listed—check Council’s Grant Aid portal.
🔗 [Derry & Strabane Grant Aid Portal](dcsdcgrantaid.com, Derry City & Strabane)

3. Go Further Grant Programme

Purpose: Growth grant for businesses trading under 3 years.
Amount: Up to £5,000.
Eligibility: Small businesses in the district looking to expand.
🗓️ Deadlines vary by round—visit Grant Aid portal for updates.
🔗 [Derry & Strabane Grant Aid Portal](dcsdcgrantaid.com)

🔹 Government‑Backed Loans

💼 Start‑Up Loans

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

🔹 Key Resources & Support

**Grant Aid Portal – Derry & Strabane Council**
Centralised applications and guidelines.
🔗 [Derry & Strabane Funding & Grants](Facebook, Derry City & Strabane)
**Go Succeed Start/Grow/Scale**
Business advice, peer networking, and grant access.
🔗 As above (Derry City & Strabane, Facebook)
Invest Northern Ireland
Offers innovation, exporting and R&D support—all accessible via Council channels.
Local Enterprise Agencies
Delivered in partnership with Enterprise North West and Strabane Enterprise Agency.
Includes support like The Ultimate Pitch competition offering up to £5,000 investment (NI Business Info, strabaneweekly.co.uk, govlaunch.com).

🔹 Application Process

Determine the scheme that suits your needs (startup or growth).
Confirm eligibility and current deadlines via the Grant Aid portal.
Gather documentation: business plan, financials, quotes, ID.
Attend workshops where required (especially for grants).
Submit applications online through the Council portal or GOV.UK.
Monitor application outcomes—review periods differ by scheme.

🔹 Additional Tips

Workshops and clinics are essential preparation—don't miss them.
Consider combining funding options—e.g., a Start‑Up Loan plus a growth grant.
Subscribe to the Grant Aid newsletter for live updates.
Leverage Go Succeed network events—and consider entering The Ultimate Pitch challenge (Go Succeed).

🔹 Contact & Further Information

📞 Council Business Support Team: 028 7125 3253
📧 General grants enquiries: info@derrystrabane.com
🌐 Grant Aid Portal & Business Support: [Derry & Strabane Funding & Grants](Derry City & Strabane)
🔗 Apply for Start‑Up Loans: via GOV.UK link above
🔗 Invest NI & local enterprise agency info: see NI Business Info guides (NI Business Info)

🔹 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

🔹 What support does Go Succeed provide?
Mentoring, diagnostics, workshops, and grant guidance for startup and growth phases. (Derry City & Strabane)

🔹 How much can I get from the Start‑Up Grant?
A one‑off grant of £500, subject to current funding availability. (dcsdcgrantaid.com, startupgrant.co.uk)

🔹 Who can apply for the Go Further Grant?
Businesses trading under 3 years looking to expand. Check Grant Aid portal for details.

🔹 What is The Ultimate Pitch?
A business pitch competition offering up to £5,000 funding for young businesses. (startupgrant.co.uk, strabaneweekly.co.uk)

🔹 Are Start‑Up Loans still available?
Yes—loans up to £25,000 with mentoring via GOV.UK.

🔹 Can I combine grants and loans?
Yes—advisors can assist with planning combined funding strategies.

🔹 What documents do I need?
You’ll typically need projections, quotes, a business plan, ID, and possibly workshop participation proof.

🔹 Where can I get help applying?
Call 028 7125 3253 or connect with Go Succeed through the Council.

Value AD

2025

100% FREE

BUSINESS TOOl

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.

FREE BUSINESS TOOLS