Funding for micro and small businesses to achieve sustainable, measurable growth through capital investment and sustainability projects.
This programme closes at midday on Thursday 16 July 2026.
Who it is for
Applications are invited from micro and small businesses, including social enterprises, in the Derry City and Strabane area.
Businesses must meet the following criteria
- The business is an existing private business or social economy enterprise that is actively trading commercially, for a minimum of 12 months from the date of application, evidenced by providing their self-assessment number or Limited Company details and bank statements.
- The business employs a maximum of 49 full-time equivalent employees.
- The business has a registered trading address in Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC) area.
- Operational dedicated business bank account.
- Not currently in receipt of Invest NI or other grants for the same expenditure.
- The business is appropriately insured or prepared to obtain appropriate insurance if awarded a grant (building, contents or public liability insurance as appropriate).
- The applicant is aged 18 or above at the application deadline.
- The business can deliver the project, pay the suppliers and submit the grant claim in the given timeframe.
Support you can get
The Business Transformation Grants Programme forms part of the Derry Strabane Local Economic Partnership (LEP) Action Plan 2025–2028.
The Action Plan is funded by the Department for the Economy’s Regional Balance Fund and delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council.
Grants from £5,000 to £25,000 are available (70% grant, 30% match funding).
Projects demonstrating growth may include
- Introducing new technology or automation that significantly improves efficiency.
- Increasing production or service capacity to meet growing demand.
- Developing new products or services enabled by investment.
- Implementing systems that fundamentally change business operations.
Support organisers
- Derry City and Strabane District Council
Next Steps
on the Derry City and Strabane District Council website
Published
11 June 2026
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