Invest Northern Ireland logo
Cluster Acceleration Programme (CAP)

Cluster Acceleration Programme — Phase 1

Supports Northern Ireland small and medium enterprise-led cluster groups to test collaborative business models before entering growth phases.

Between cyclesInvest Northern IrelandUnited Kingdom
View on funder site
About

The Cluster Acceleration Programme (CAP) Phase 1 2026 is an Invest Northern Ireland grant that funds SME networks to conduct feasibility studies and develop collaborative cluster business models. Phase 1 provides up to £55,000 per network, with applications open until 15:00 on Friday 5 June 2026. The programme is designed for business-led networks of a minimum of eight Northern Ireland SMEs, all a…

What this grant funds

Feasibility study funding for Northern Ireland SME-led cluster networks seeking to develop a collaborative business model in Department for the Economy priority sectors.

Key facts
CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Multiple per year
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.—
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.—
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.—
Funding analytics

Sign up free to see the funding breakdown

Create free accountSign in
Industries

Sign up free to see the industries in scope

Create free accountSign in
Eligibility criteria

Sign up free to see the full eligibility

Create free accountSign in
Timeline

Sign up free to see the timeline

Create free accountSign in
Where founders trip up

Sign up free to see where teams trip up

Create free accountSign in
Last verified: 24 Jul 2026Source: www.investni.com