Expert support is a key requirement when starting up a new business and there is a wide range of schemes available to assist new and developing enterprises.  The following list gives details of some bodies that may provide support, advice or financial assistance although it is not exhaustive.

North

• • Local Enterprise Agencies – LEAs are usually the first point of contact for new business start-ups.  They offer advice, support and low cost business premises across Northern Ireland. See the locations of enterprise agencies across all council areas in the region here  You can contact any Agency to get tailored information for your area.

   

  • Enterprise Northern Ireland – This is a network organisation made up of the 28 local enterprise agencies across the region which support businesses by offering business advice, information and financial support.  For further details see https://www.enterpriseni.com/pages/business-support

   

  • Invest NI is the regional business development agency for Northern Ireland whose role is to help new and existing businesses compete internationally and to attract new business into the region in order to grow the local economy.  See more about the support Invest NI can offer here 

   

  • The Prince’s Trust Northern Ireland provides training, mentoring and financial assistance to young entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 30 as well as empowering and assisting young people to move into the world of work. Visit The Prince’s Trust to learn more about help for young business start up.

   

  Local councils, NI Business Info  and NI Direct  are useful resources to use for general information relating to business start up and development and support

South

• • Local Enterprise Offices– these are the first point of contact for anyone seeking information and support on starting or growing a business in Ireland.  With 31 dedicated teams across Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices offer a wide range of experience, skills and services.  For further information visit localenterprise.ie

• • Enterprise Ireland– Enterprise Ireland is the government agency in Ireland responsible for supporting the start-up, growth and development of Irish businesses to enable them to compete in local and global markets and drive forward economic growth and employment across the region.

  Citizens Information provides useful information, resources  and signposting for newly established businesses.

Cross border issues

There are no restrictions on British or Irish citizens moving across the border in either direction to live or work on a self employed basis by establishing a new business or expanding an existing one.

The Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland which forms part of the Withdrawal Agreement was meant to ensure that no new procedures would apply to goods moving between the two jurisdictions.  However, this area remains problematic and complex but despite this, business reports as at August 2022, suggest that cross border export business is thriving.

See Also:

• Small Firms Association(opens in new tab)
• Chambers Ireland(opens in new tab)
• Irish Business and Employers Confederation(opens in new tab)
• Border People – Business start up support in Northern Ireland
• Border People – Cross Border Business
• Border People – Cross Border Business Guide for Companies
• Border People – Business start up support in Ireland
• www.intertradeireland.com

Page last checked: September 2022

This webpage is for general information purposes only and while we endeavour to keep it up-to-date, errors may occur. It is very important that you check with the relevant body to ensure the information is current and is applicable to your situation.

If you would like to suggest amendments or highlight new information that could be useful to others please don’t hesitate to get in touch.