Creative business support and funding

There is a wealth of organisations in Northern Ireland working to make business connections possible. Successful business networks have been established by:

• the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce 
• Invest Northern Ireland
• the Federation of Small Businesses
• the Institute of Directors
• the Rotary Club
• Women in Business
• Young Enterprise Northern Ireland
• the Centre for Competitiveness
• the Northern Ireland Science Park

Find out how to get involved in Northern Ireland business networks.

Collaborative networking can be particularly helpful to creative businesses to help improve business performance, products and staff skills and win new business. Read about business growth through collaboration.

Arts & Business Northern Ireland is a creative network that advocates and facilitates creative partnerships between the private and cultural sectors. Its remit covers the performing arts, literature, visual arts and crafts, museums, libraries, heritage and film.

Networking beyond Northern Ireland

Digital Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) is a UK-wide network that provides a place for creative innovators to meet, share ideas and shape the future. It promotes funding and collaboration opportunities and delivers insights into technology trends and developments.

European Creative Business Network assists creative entrepreneurs to do business together across Europe and find new markets. Trade shows, conferences, seminars and networking events organised by trade associations, professional bodies and business support organisations also offer a good opportunity to meet new contacts and network.

Trade shows, conferences, seminars and networking events organised by trade associations, professional bodies and business support organisations also offer a good opportunity to meet new contacts and network.

Finally, new technologies are increasingly enabling new ways of networking for businesses. There is a whole host of online opportunities for creative businesses to network right across the globe.