Construction Industry Grants & Funding

A practical guide for the UK

Explore a diverse range of funding and grant options tailored for the construction sector across the UK and Northern Ireland. From workforce training and innovation to heritage restoration and community development, these financial supports are designed to bolster construction businesses and projects. Whether you’re a contractor, developer, or SME, discover how these opportunities can help you enhance skills, drive innovation, and contribute to community growth.

What Are Grants and Funding?

ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) certifications are formal recognitions that a company adheres to specific international standards in various aspects of its operations. For construction firms, these certifications can validate processes related to quality management, environmental practices, health and safety, and information management.

Safety Helmet - health and safety

Grants and Funding in UK

CITB NI Training Grants

The Construction Industry Training Board Northern Ireland (CITB NI) offers a £1.45 million grant scheme to support training and qualifications for employees in the construction sector. This initiative aims to encourage local construction companies to invest in workforce development and skills enhancement.

Invest NI Business Innovation Grant

Invest Northern Ireland provides the Business Innovation Grant (BIG), offering up to £20,000 to support micro and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in Northern Ireland. This grant assists businesses in developing and bringing new products, services, or processes to market. Applications are open until 12 noon on Tuesday, 3 June 2025.

Innovation Vouchers & R&D Support

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland offers various grant programmes to support community groups and projects. These grants can be used for a range of purposes, including construction-related initiatives that benefit local communities.

Community Foundation Northern Ireland Grants

Invest NI also offers Innovation Vouchers worth up to £5,000, enabling businesses to access expertise from public sector knowledge providers to develop innovative solutions. Additionally, R&D support is available to help businesses develop ideas into successful products, processes, or services ready for commercialisation.

National Lottery Community Fund

The National Lottery Community Fund provides grants ranging from £300 to £20,000 for community projects, including those related to construction and infrastructure. These grants aim to support activities that create resilient communities and improve lives across the UK.

Government Grant Finder Tools

UK-Wide: The UK government’s “Find a Grant” service allows businesses to search for available grants across different sectors and regions.

Northern Ireland: The Government Funding Database provides information on grants available from Northern Ireland government departments to voluntary and community organisations.

Additional Resources

nibusinessinfo.co.uk: Offers guidance on the types of grants available and how to apply for them.

Invest NI – Construction Sector Support: Provides tailored support for businesses in the construction sector, including advice, mentoring, and financial assistance.

Conclusion

For construction businesses in the UK and Northern Ireland, a variety of funding and grant opportunities are available to support training, innovation, community projects, and more. Utilising these resources can enhance your business’s capabilities and contribute to the growth and development of the construction industry.

If you need assistance with applications or further information on these programmes, feel free to reach out.