Major funding opportunities available through Derry Strabane Local Economy Partnership
11 June 2026
Businesses, social enterprises and enterprise partners across Derry City and Strabane District are set to benefit from a significant new package of economic development support following confirmation that the Department for the Economy has issued a Letter of Offer under its Regional Balance Fund (RBF) programme.
The funding, totalling £4.4million over a three-year period, will support the delivery of a range of targeted interventions through the Derry Strabane Local Economy Partnership (LEP), which is administered by Derry City and Strabane District Council.
The Regional Balance Fund has been designed to address regional economic imbalance through productivity improvement, enabling Local Economy Partnerships to identify local barriers to growth and implement priority interventions that strengthen regional competitiveness and economic opportunity. It focuses on creating good jobs, increasing productivity, improving regional balance and supporting decarbonisation.
New funding opportunities are now open for applications from eligible businesses, social enterprises and enterprise partners operating within the Derry City and Strabane District area. They include the Business Transformation Grants programme that is designed to accelerate growth and job creation for micro and small businesses and social enterprises. The programme aims to increase productivity and operational efficiency, drive business expansion, strengthen competitiveness, encourage innovation and contribute to regional economic growth and balance. Eligible organisations will be able to apply for grants ranging from £5,000 to £25,000, with funding support of up to 70%.
The second funding opportunity is through the Enterprise Partnership Fund, a competitive funding opportunity designed to support innovative enterprise development solutions, that is delivered in partnership across the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. The fund will provide grants of up to £15,000 and is aimed at encouraging innovation and experimentation and supporting pilot delivery models. It’s also aimed at leveraging partner expertise and sector knowledge improving outcomes for entrepreneurs across the region.
Dr Caoimhe Archibald, MLA, Minister for the Economy said: “This investment through the Regional Balance Fund demonstrates our commitment to supporting inclusive economic growth and strengthening regional prosperity. It will help create opportunities for businesses, social enterprises and entrepreneurs while supporting productivity, innovation and good quality jobs across the North West.”
The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Grace Uỉ Niallais said: “The launch of these programmes marks a significant milestone for the Derry Strabane Local Economy Partnership and for the wider regional economy. By working collaboratively across the public, private, education and community sectors, we are creating meaningful opportunities for businesses and communities to grow, innovate and thrive. These funding opportunities will help strengthen our entrepreneurial ecosystem and support our shared ambition of building a more prosperous and inclusive city region.”
The Derry Strabane Local Economy Partnership brings together a wide range of economic stakeholders to drive inclusive economic prosperity across the city region. Membership includes representatives from Derry City and Strabane District Council, Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, Strabane BID, Strabane Enterprise Agency, Enterprise North West , City of Derry Airport, Foyle Port, the Community Wealth Building Partnership, Ulster University, NW Regional College, Catalyst Inc and Visit Derry, with support from Invest Northern Ireland and the Department for the Economy.
Local businesses and social enterprises are encouraged to apply when the calls officially open on Tuesday 9th June and close Thursday 16th July at 12noon.
Applicants must be based within the Derry City and Strabane District area and operate as a micro business, small business or social enterprise.
Further information and application details will be available at www.derrystrabane.com/LEP