Investment Fund for Northern Ireland

IFNI – Clarendon Equity Finance is part of the £70 million Investment Fund for Northern Ireland, one of a series of Nations and Regions Investment Funds launched by the British Business Bank which will deliver a £1.6 billion of new funding to smaller businesses across the UK.

IFNI – Clarendon Equity Finance aims to increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for Northern Irish businesses, investing up to £5 million in ambitious and growth-focused companies located across the whole of Northern Ireland.

Equity funding for ambitious Northern Irish businesses

The Investment Fund for Northern Ireland is targeting:

• Equity investments of up to £5 million for early-stage and growth businesses
• The fund will be available to businesses across Northern Ireland with investment proposals from outside of Belfast being particularly welcome.
• Equity funding to support growth with investments being tailored to meet individual business requirements.
• Innovation and ambition will be key requirements in any business proposal, with management demonstrating how they will significantly grow the business following an investment.
• As a new shareholder in the business, the Clarendon investment team will bring significant experience to the Company’s board and assist management with delivering their growth plan.

Business funding designed for growth

Funding through IFNI – Clarendon Equity Finance can provide the access to capital required help boost productivity, innovation and employment, supporting a wide range of business finance needs including:

• Purchasing new machinery
• Capital expenditure
• Export finance
• Investing in new products
• Hiring new team members
• Filling gaps in working capital

IFNI Geographic Focus

The Investment for Northern Ireland will be available to businesses across Northern Ireland including:

• Greater Belfast Area
• North Region – Derry~Londonderry, Coleraine and Ballymena
• West Region – Enniskillen, Omagh and Dungannon
• South Region – Armagh, Newry and Downpatrick

Make an enquiry about IFNI

Email: ifni-enquiries@clarendon-fm.co.uk

Telephone: 028 9032 6465

Clarendon Fund Managers office (By appointment only):

5th Floor, Craig Plaza, 51 Fountain Street
Belfast, BT1 5EA, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland

Meet the local team

Neil Simms

Investment Director

Brian Cummings

Investment Director

Chris Trotter

Senior Investment Manager

Sian McLaughlin

Investment Manager

Claudine Owens

Investment Manager

Stuart Gaffikin

Investment Manager

Frequently asked questions

What is the Investment Fund for Northern Ireland?

The Investment Fund for Northern Ireland is one in a series of six new Nations and Regions Investment Funds being launched by the British Business Bank . A total of £1.6 billion has been committed to the new funds to drive sustainable economic growth and break down barriers to access to finance.

The £70 million Investment Fund for Northern Ireland provides a mix of debt and equity finance to support the growth of small and medium-sized businesses across Northern Ireland.

What is Clarendon Equity Finance?

IFNI – Clarendon Equity Finance is the dedicated equity fund for the Investment Fund for Northern Ireland, which can complete equity investments up to £5 million to help small and medium-sized businesses start up, scale up or stay ahead.

The Fund is managed by Clarendon Fund Managers, with the aim of supporting Northern Irish businesses with activities including expansion, product or service innovation, new processes, skills development, and capital equipment.

Who can apply for funding?

Eligible small and medium-sized businesses that are based in Northern Ireland or have significant activity there can apply for funding.

What types of funding are available?

IFNI – Clarendon Equity Finance provides a range of funding options, predominantly via equity investment.

What is the minimum and maximum amount of funding available?

The IFNI – Clarendon Equity Finance Fund can provide investments from £250,000 up to £5 million.

What is the process for applying for funding?

The application process involves submitting an online application form and providing details of your business plan and financial projections. The IFNI team will review your application and contact you to discuss your proposal further.

What is the purpose of the Investment Fund for Northern Ireland?

The purpose of the Investment fund for Northern Ireland is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunities for new and growing businesses across Northern Ireland. The fund will increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for Northern Ireland’s smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and help to break down barriers in access to finance.

What are the eligibility criteria for funding?

To be eligible for funding, businesses must have material operations, or planning to open material operations, in Northern Ireland and have growth potential. They must also demonstrate a viable business plan and be able to demonstrate how the funding will help them achieve their growth ambitions. The process is selective and the chance of securing an offer from IFNI – Clarendon Equity Finance will depend on the quality of the investment opportunity in question and the quality of other applications received.

Who funds the Investment Fund for Northern Ireland?

The £70m Investment Fund for Northern Ireland is a Nations and Regions Investment Fund financed by the United Kingdom government and administered by the British Business Bank.

Who can I contact for further information?

You can contact the IFNI team directly or by emailing ifni-enquiries@clarendon-fm.co.uk for further information.