Pay
Report
Apply
Date: 13 November 2026
Category: News
Belfast-based social enterprises and co-operatives are being encouraged to apply for funding of up to £10,000 to help grow their organisations, create new opportunities and increase their impact in communities across the city.
Belfast City Council's Social Economy Incentive Fund is now open to both early-stage and established social enterprises and co-operatives working to deliver positive social impact in areas of deprivation. The competitive fund supports organisations to develop new commercial opportunities, strengthen their sustainability and accelerate growth.
Two levels of funding are available, with applicants required to provide match funding towards their project.
Organisations trading for less than three years can apply for an Early Stage Award of up to £5,000, with the fund covering up to 75% of eligible project costs and applicants contributing the remaining 25%.
Social enterprises and co-operatives trading for three years or more can apply for a Growth Award of up to £10,000, on a 50:50 match-funding basis.
Councillor Joe Duffy, Chair of the council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee, said: “Social enterprises and co-operatives make an important contribution to life in Belfast, combining commercial ambition with a clear social purpose.
“Through our Social Economy Incentive Fund, we want to help both emerging and more established organisations to develop even further, whether that means building a new product or service, investing in the equipment they need to grow, or developing skills and capacity within their organisation.
“Crucially, this investment is about supporting sustainable growth while delivering positive benefits for communities across Belfast. I’d encourage all eligible organisations with a strong idea for growing their social enterprise and strengthening their impact to take a look at the fund and apply.”
Funding can support activities which enable organisations to develop new or enhanced commercial activity that would not otherwise be possible. Eligible expenditure include equipment to support business growth, the development of new products, services or activities, skills development and training, specialist mentoring or consultancy and new licences, software subscriptions and digital tools.
Previous recipient Matt Orme used his grant to purchase equipment for his social enterprise, Change the Lens, which provides professional photography, video and media services to charities, community organisations and local businesses.
He said: “The Social Economy Incentive Fund helped us invest in specialist photography and audiovisual equipment, giving us the tools to take on a wider variety of projects and pitch for work we couldn't previously have delivered.
“That investment has helped us build the business and broaden the support we can offer our clients."
Applications to the Social Economy Incentive Fund will be assessed via a two-stage process. Following an initial assessment of online application forms, shortlisted applicants will be invited to deliver an in-person pitch in Belfast on Tuesday 8 December 2026.
The deadline for applications is 4pm on Friday 27 November 2026.
For more information, full eligibility criteria and to apply, visit belfastcity.gov.uk/socialincentivefund