Belfast City Council has unveiled the Social Economy Incentive Fund, allocating a total of £90,000 to support the development of social enterprises and co-operatives within the city.

This competitive fund is designed to inject capital into organisations that are working to boost the social economy and combat social deprivation, offering individual grants of up to £10,000.

The fund is structured with two separate categories: one dedicated to supporting brand new social enterprises at their start-up phase, and a second for established organisations that have been operating for more than three years and are seeking to grow.

Launching the initiative, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, confirmed the council's commitment to creating an inclusive economy. She explained: "The Social Economy Incentive Fund helps both new social enterprises and existing ones to develop something different. Our funding will cover set up costs, equipment or machinery to generate new revenue, staff skills development, or new expertise. We're addressing a hurdle to start-up or early-stage growth, the lack of initial capital."

The application process is two-fold. Applicants must first complete a short online form, with a submission deadline of Tuesday, 11 November 2025 at 4pm.

Shortlisted organisations will then be invited to participate in a 'Dragons' Den' style pitching event. This involves making a five-minute pitch on Monday, 24 November 2025, to a panel of local stakeholders. Organisations will need to clearly articulate the social value and impact their potential award would have on their beneficiaries. The final grant award will be based on the quality of both the application and the pitch.

For more information and to access the online application, go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/socialincentivefund