'Make business dream a reality': Belfast entrepreneurs invited to apply for £12,000 funding programmes

Belfast entrepreneurs are being invited to apply for two council-backed programmes offering support, mentoring and funding to help take their businesses to the next stage.

The Cultivate scheme, now in its second year, offers six months of support to early-stage and growth-focused businesses developing ideas that can deliver positive outcomes for people, communities and the environment.

Successful applicants will take part in practical workshops and expert-led sessions focused on developing and scaling their concepts, with access to mentors to help turn ideas into practical actions.

Participants will also hear from global firms, innovators and sustainability experts on how to develop their ideas and bring them to market.

Fifteen businesses will have the chance to share a £10,000 grant fund following a pitch day competition.

Last year’s programme supported ventures working on issues including food waste, adaptive clothing and farm safety.

Applications for Cultivate close at 12pm on Thursday, October 8.

“This is a great opportunity for local entrepreneurs to get the practical support they need to make their business dream a reality, particularly those ventures which can make a real difference to our communities, environment and future growth,” said councillor Joe Duffy, chair of the council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee.

“Green technology, sustainable solutions and businesses with purpose are all high growth areas for Belfast, so if you’re interested in these areas, this is a great way to develop your confidence, get inspired and hone your ideas further.”

The Young Entrepreneurs to Watch programme is also open for applications, targeting Belfast’s next generation of business owners.

The three-month programme is aimed at 16 to 29-year-olds and combines practical business workshops with one-to-one mentoring, culminating in a showcase where participants pitch their ventures for the chance to win £2,000.

Max Loebnau won the prize in 2025 and invested the funding in new equipment for his pressure washing business, Pressure Perfect.

He said: “Winning Young Entrepreneurs to Watch was a great experience. The events helped me build my business plan, gave me direction and motivation and improved my pitching skills.

“The prize money let me invest in better equipment, saving time and improving my work quality. My advice – apply for the programme. You will meet fellow entrepreneurs, supportive businesses and staff who help make the programme genuinely worthwhile.”

Applications for Young Entrepreneurs to Watch close at 12pm on Thursday, October 15.

The council is also running three free events next week for Belfast businesses and people considering starting their own venture.

Mum to Mumtrepreneur takes place on Tuesday, September 29, from 10am to 11.30am at Second Nature, formerly Room 2 hotel. The session is aimed at women returning to work after having children or considering how work can better fit around family life.

Social media influencer Fiona McCartan, known as @GlutenFreeFi, and Laura Murphy, founder of OatsCo Superfuel, will share their experiences of self-employment and entrepreneurship as a flexible route back into work.

Ready, Steady, Go takes place on Wednesday, September 30 at 6pm at North City Business Centre and will offer practical advice for recent start-ups and those considering a new venture, in partnership with Go Succeed NI.

A free Advanced Tendering workshop will also take place at Malone House on Thursday, October 1 from 10am to 12.30pm, helping businesses develop their skills in competitive tendering and winning new contracts through Go Succeed NI.

Applications for both programmes and registration for the events are available through the Belfast City Council website.