13/08/2025
'Ambition to Grow' Programme Supports Over 250 Companies
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced that the "Ambition to Grow" programme is helping over 250 companies create good jobs and increase external sales.
The Invest NI programme, first launched in 2022, aims to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in achieving sales outside of Northern Ireland.
Speaking during a visit to Newry-based Black Forest Joinery, a company that successfully applied to the programme in 2024, Minister Archibald highlighted the positive impact on the economy. The Minister said the new external sales have the potential to generate £78 million of new business for these companies by 2027, a "significant boost to our economy."
Breandan Hardy, Managing Director of Black Forest Joinery, said the company has already created four jobs and expanded its sales into Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland since joining the programme.
More than half of the companies that have participated in the scheme are based outside the Belfast Metropolitan Area. The programme offers successful applicants the opportunity to apply for up to £45 thousand in funding to expand their business.
The Invest NI programme, first launched in 2022, aims to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in achieving sales outside of Northern Ireland.
Breandan Hardy, Managing Director of Black Forest Joinery, said the company has already created four jobs and expanded its sales into Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland since joining the programme.
More than half of the companies that have participated in the scheme are based outside the Belfast Metropolitan Area. The programme offers successful applicants the opportunity to apply for up to £45 thousand in funding to expand their business.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.