Micro and small businesses across Northern Ireland are being offered a powerful opportunity to overcome financial barriers and scale with confidence through the return of the expert-led event series ‘Funding for Growth: Micro & Small Business Series’. The second series of three events will take place at Cookstown Enterprise, beginning on September 24.

Delivered in partnership with Enterprise NI and British Business Bank, and supported by the Department for the Economy, this initiative will be rolled out with and through Northern Ireland’s 27 Local Enterprise Agencies, reaching every local community to ensure that entrepreneurs — whether in Craigavon, Coleraine, or Enniskillen — have access to tailored, local support.

 

Funding for Growth

This three-part series is designed to help entrepreneurs build financial confidence, explore diverse funding options, and prepare their businesses for a sustainable, net zero future. By combining expert insight with practical guidance, the programme empowers business owners to make informed financial decisions, access the right funding and support at the right time, and take decisive steps toward long-term growth.

Participants will benefit from hands-on guidance from industry experts, real-world case studies from local businesses, and interactive networking sessions that foster peer learning and collaboration. Each session is tailored to provide actionable advice, provide an understanding of funding options, and promote business resilience in a rapidly evolving economic environment.

Following the success of the series in Craigavon, entrepreneurs in the Mid Ulster District Council and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council areas will have the opportunity to learn more as the Funding For Growth series comes to Cookstown Enterprise Centre.

This is an NI-Wide initiative delivered by Enterprise NI, with and through the network of 27 Local Enterprise Agencies, and in partnership with British Business Bank, supported by Department for the Economy.

 

Session 1: Developing Your Understanding on Equity and Grant Finance

• 📅Wednesday 24th September 2025
• ⏰9.30am – 12.30pm
• 🔗Register: https://FundingForGrowthEquityGrantFinanceCookstown.eventbrite.co.uk

This session will explore:

• What is equity finance
• The importance of grant funding
• Grant writing tips and attracting a future equity investor
• Types of equity finance – understand your options
• Meet the ecosystem

 

Session 2: Building Confidence and Readiness to Access Debt Finance and Understanding Your Options

• 📅Wednesday 8^th October 2025
• ⏰9.30am – 12.30pm
• 🔗Register: https://FundingForGrowthDebtFinanceCookstown.eventbrite.co.uk

This session will explore:

• What should be considered when applying for debt finance
• Support available
• Advice around working capital for small businesses
• How to expand with confidence
• Meet the ecosystem

 

Session 3: Transitioning Your Business to Net Zero

• 📅Wednesday 15th October 2025
• ⏰9.30am – 12.30pm
• 🔗Register: https://FundingForGrowthNetZeroCookstown.eventbrite.co.uk

This session will explore:

• The importance of net-zero in future-proofing your business
• Support available to help finance your transition to net-zero
• How small businesses are leading the charge to net-zero
• Meet the ecosystem