How should a Northern Ireland SME sequence funding?

A realistic order in which to apply for Invest NI and UK-wide support as an NI-based SME.

**Quick Answer**

Start with an Invest NI Innovation Voucher, progress to an Invest NI Grant for R&D, then KTP or Innovate UK Smart Grants. Use Selective Financial Assistance for capacity and jobs, and UKEF cover when exporting.

**Typical Situation**

An NI-registered SME — often manufacturing, agri-food, advanced engineering or software — with growth ambition beyond the local market.

**Advisor Interpretation**

NI''s funding system is unusually well-sequenced and relational. Invest NI rewards companies that build a track record across multiple supports rather than chasing the largest grant first.

**Readiness Signals**

- NI registration with a real technical contact.
- A defined R&D question a Northern Irish university can credibly answer.
- Audited or management accounts.
- Match-funding capacity.

**Usually Too Early When**

- No incorporated NI entity.
- No technical lead.
- No identified university partner.

**Common Mistakes**

- Skipping the voucher and applying for the R&D Grant first.
- Treating SFA as R&D capital — it is for plant, capacity and jobs.
- Treating Invest NI as transactional.

**What Usually Comes Next**

Innovation Voucher → Invest NI R&D Grant → KTP / Innovate UK Smart Grants → SFA for capacity → UKEF cover for export.

**Related Grants**

Invest NI Innovation Vouchers, Invest NI Grant for R&D, Invest NI Selective Financial Assistance, KTP, Innovate UK Smart Grants, UKEF Export Insurance Policy.

**Related Comparisons**

Invest NI vs Innovate UK, Invest NI Innovation Voucher vs KTP, Regional Funding vs National Funding.

**Related Pathways**

Northern Ireland Funding Pathway, Innovation Funding Pathway, Manufacturing Funding Pathway.

**Conservative Note**

Invest NI scheme names and budgets change with the NI Executive''s plans. Confirm with Invest NI. This is editorial guidance, not financial advice.