The Ards Business Hub Business & Community Fund exists to help businesses, social enterprises, community organisations and individuals bring projects to life that create positive change within our local communities.
Whether you’re developing a community initiative, addressing a social challenge, supporting young people, or helping people overcome barriers to employment and enterprise, we want to hear from you.
The Business & Community Fund was established to help address needs and create opportunities for communities, individuals and businesses across Ards and North Down.
We believe local people are best placed to identify local challenges and create solutions. By supporting innovative projects with strong social outcomes, we aim to help build stronger communities, create opportunities and improve lives. The fund focuses on helping people overcome barriers that prevent them from participating in social, economic or community opportunities.
What we fund and what we're looking for
We support projects that deliver a clear social benefit and align with one or more of our priority areas. Our priority areas include projects that support children and young people, strengthen communities and encourage inclusion, and help overcome barriers to economic participation. Applications will be assessed against several key criteria:
Social Impact
Can you clearly demonstrate the positive difference your project will make?
Sustainability
Will the project continue to create benefits after the funding period ends?
Measurable Outcomes
Can the impact of the project be monitored and evaluated?
Innovation
Does your project bring a new or effective solution to a local challenge?
Community Need
Have you clearly identified the issue your project will address?
Leadership & Delivery
Do you have the skills and experience needed to deliver the project successfully?
Funding awards vary depending on the nature and impact of the project. Awards are typically made below £10,000, with larger awards considered only in exceptional circumstances.
Each application will be assessed on its individual merits and must be discussed with a member of our Business Support team before submission.
Applications submitted without prior discussion will not be considered.
Funding awards vary depending on the nature and impact of the project. Awards are typically made below £10,000, with larger awards considered only in exceptional circumstances.
Each application will be assessed on its individual merits and must be discussed with a member of our Business Support team before submission.
Applications submitted without prior discussion will not be considered.
