More than £13 million in Local Growth Fund capital has been allocated to business innovation, start-up support and social enterprise programmes in Northern Ireland.
The £13.292 million package includes £7.1 million for Invest Northern Ireland. That funding will support innovation and research programmes for businesses, along with early design and feasibility work at the Mandeville site in Craigavon.
A further £1.7 million has been assigned to Go Succeed, the council-led service for people starting or growing a business. The allocation will contribute to delivery costs and a programme of capital grants.
The Department for the Economy said work is continuing on several other projects that may receive support from the fund. Those awards are expected to be announced separately when the remaining assessments are complete.
The programmes are intended to improve productivity, support new enterprises and spread investment beyond established economic centres. Businesses seeking help can approach Invest NI or their council's Go Succeed service for the relevant eligibility and application details.