Funding Opportunities in Lisburn & Castlereagh: Grants & Loans for Startups & Small Businesses

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is committed to nurturing a supportive environment for businesses to flourish. Discover the range of government-backed loans and grant programs designed to help startups and small businesses in the region.

Grant and Loan Programs:

Grants:

Heritage Shopfront Scheme: Offers funding for businesses to improve their shopfronts in conservation areas, specifically Hillsborough and Moira.
- Heritage Shopfront Scheme
Rural Shopfront Scheme: Provides funding for businesses to enhance their shopfronts in rural areas, excluding Moira and Hillsborough.
- Rural Shopfront Scheme
Go For It Programme: Offers expert mentoring and support for individuals exploring a business idea or in the early stages of starting a business.
- Go For It Programme

Government-Backed Loans:

Start-Up Loans: Provides government-backed personal loans and mentoring for new businesses in Northern Ireland.
- Start Up Loans

Key Resources:

Business and Investment - Lisburn & Castlereagh: The council's website offers details on local business support programs, including funding opportunities.
- Business and Investment - Lisburn & Castlereagh

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council Contact Details:

Phone: 028 9250 9250
Website: Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council

Advice on Applying:

Consult with Go For It or the Council: Reach out to the Go For It program or the Lisburn and Castlereagh City 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):

What is the Heritage Shopfront Scheme?
- This scheme provides funding to help businesses in conservation areas, specifically in Hillsborough and Moira, improve the appearance of their shopfronts.
Who is eligible for the Rural Shopfront Scheme?
- The Rural Shopfront Scheme is open to businesses in rural areas within Lisburn & Castlereagh, excluding those in Moira and Hillsborough.
How does the Go For It Programme support new businesses?
- The Go For It Programme offers free expert advice and support to individuals in Northern Ireland who are considering starting a business, helping them turn their business ideas into reality.
What can the Start Up Loans be used for?
- Start-Up Loans can be used for a wide range of business purposes, including working capital, purchasing equipment, or marketing, along with mentoring support.
How can I apply for grants through Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council?
- You can apply for grants through the council's business and investment webpage, where you can find detailed information on the available grants and their eligibility criteria.
Are there any restrictions on how the grant funds can be used?
- Yes, each grant program has specific guidelines on how the funds can be used. It's important to review these guidelines carefully to ensure your expenses align with the program’s criteria.
Is there support available for businesses in both urban and rural areas?
- Yes, Lisburn & Castlereagh offers tailored support for both urban and rural businesses, including specific schemes like the Heritage Shopfront Scheme and Rural Shopfront Scheme.
What documentation do I need to apply for these funding programs?
- Typically, you will need a detailed business plan, financial projections, and any specific documents requested by the funding program.
Can I apply for multiple grants or loans at the same time?
- It depends on the specific terms and conditions of each grant or loan program. Consulting with the council’s business support team or Business Wales can provide clarity on this.
What is the typical timeline for receiving funding after application submission?
- The timeline can vary depending on the program and the completeness of your application. Generally, it’s advisable to allow several weeks for processing.

By leveraging these funding opportunities and resources, entrepreneurs and small business owners in Lisburn and Castlereagh 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