New support for small businesses and growing opportunities in artificial intelligence are creating further pathways for businesses across the North West to develop their capabilities and build for long-term growth.

For businesses across the region, these developments highlight the importance of connecting local enterprise with the funding, expertise and networks needed to strengthen competitiveness and support economic growth.

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced a new £2.3 million Invest NI programme, Groundwork for Growth, which aims to support 240 micro, small and medium-sized businesses over the next three years.

The programme is designed for ambitious businesses that are not currently Invest NI clients and are ready to take their first steps towards developing sales in new markets. Eligible businesses accepted onto the programme can receive up to £15,000 in support for activities including product and business development, marketing, market development and staff training.

With applications now open, Groundwork for Growth offers a potential route for North West businesses to strengthen their operations and prepare for expansion beyond Northern Ireland.

Further details on eligibility and applications are available at Invest NI’s Groundwork for Growth website: LINK.

Developing the conditions for business growth also means ensuring that companies can access emerging industries and new commercial opportunities. Northern Ireland’s expanding artificial intelligence sector provides another example of the potential to connect local innovation with wider markets.

Pictured (L-R) are: Joséphine Kant, Head of Ventures, Sovereign AI, and David Crozier CBE, Director of AI Collaboration Centre

On 8 October, Belfast hosted the UK Sovereign AI Fund: Northern Ireland Launch, bringing together around 100 founders, investors, industry leaders and policymakers. Delivered in partnership by Sovereign AI, the Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC), Catalyst and People Playbook, the event connected Northern Ireland’s technology ecosystem with the team behind the UK’s £500 million Sovereign AI Fund.

The event included an overview of the Sovereign AI Fund’s investment approach and wider support for UK AI businesses, alongside discussions on attracting investment and accessing national opportunities. It also provided a platform to showcase Northern Ireland’s growing AI ecosystem and strengthen connections between companies, investors, academia and industry.

The event comes amid significant growth in Northern Ireland’s AI sector. The AICC’s AI Capability Census 2026 found that the number of firms commercially engaged with AI doubled from 198 to 400 in 12 months. AI-related employment reached 2,402 full-time equivalent roles, while estimated AI-related gross value added reached £214 million.

For the North West, these developments reinforce the importance of ensuring businesses can access the resources, relationships and investment needed to realise their potential. From helping smaller enterprises explore new markets to connecting innovative technology companies with national investment opportunities, strengthening these pathways will be important in supporting sustainable business growth and building a more competitive regional economy.