Want to know more about our support?
About Loans and Equity Funds
SMEs are the backbone of our economy providing approximately three quarters of all private sector jobs and turnover. Regardless of size or stage of development, businesses need funding to scale to the next level.
Aimed at ambitious SMEs whose growth is constrained by a lack of traditional finance, Invest NI provides a range of funding solutions under the banner of ‘Access to Finance’.
Invest NI’s commitment of £100m across three funds is anticipated to unlock a minimum private sector investment of £150m. Both debt and equity support will be provided to SMEs across the whole of Northern Ireland, with a wide deal size range of £10k to £2.5m.
The funds, which operate on a fully commercial basis, are managed by independent NI based FCA approved fund managers who retain responsibility for all investment decisions. The experienced and knowledgeable fund managers will also offer guidance and mentoring support to help SMEs develop strategies and ultimately unlock the full potential of their business.
Finance for the funds may be provided solely by Invest NI or in conjunction with the private sector.
What benefits does Access to Finance offer?
A variety of funds are offered through the Access to Finance program, providing businesses with diverse opportunities for support and growth. These include:
Loan funding
NI Small Business Loan Fund III
Fund Manager: Ulster Community Finance Ltd
An £8m loan fund for Northern Ireland based individuals, private companies and social enterprises in the SME and micro enterprise size range and in the start-up or growth phases of development. Loans are typically unsecured and range between £10k and £125k (maximum £25k for start-up businesses).
Equity funding
Techstart III
Fund Manager: Techstart Ventures
A collection of funds providing support to NI based entrepreneurs, seed / early stage SMEs and university spin-outs. Support includes a £48m SME equity fund with initial investments up to £1m and up to £2.5m over a series of funding rounds. There is also a £7m Proof of Concept Grant Fund.
Find out more on Techstart NI on the Techstart NI website.
Co-Fund III
Fund Manager: Clarendon Fund Managers
A £100m equity fund providing early stage and growth capital to SMEs in Northern Ireland, in deal sizes typically between £150k to £2m. The fund invests alongside private investors and business angels, matching terms on a wholly commercial pari passu basis at a level of up to 50% on a deal by deal basis.
Find out more about Co-Fund III on the Clarendon Fund Mangers website.
Who is eligible for Access to Finance?
Access to Finance is is open to any business in Northern Ireland that meets the individual fund criteria.
Further Information
You can find more information about Access to Finance and how it helps businesses by using the external resources available. These resources offer helpful advice and details about the funding and support options in the program.
Contact us
If you are interested in Access to Finance, contact our Business Support Team on 0800 181 4422 or complete the enquiry form.