Economic policy

Information on the Northern Ireland Economic Strategy and steps to tackle economic inactivity.

It is essential that businesses can access appropriate and affordable finance suitable to their stage of development, whether they are startups or more established enterprises.

Entrepreneurship is a focus for the Department for the Economy and is a long standing challenge for Northern Ireland. The Minister’s economic vision, as set out in the Assembly on 19 February 2024, placed a renewed emphasis on regional balance, including support for SMEs and start-ups.Our ambition is to become a regionally balanced economy known for our enterprising culture, to drive up the rate of new business start-ups and create an environment that actively fosters and supports entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality.

Details of the Department for the Economy’s (DfE’s) current projects, policies and strategies that are part of its innovation and research and development objectives.

The Department for the Economy (DfE) has a key role in the development of social economy policy for Northern Ireland.

Details on the Department for the Economy's (DfE) role in providing better regulation for businesses, including the review of business red tape.

From 1 January 2021, all subsidies provided by public authorities in Northern Ireland have had to comply with either the EU State aid rules or UK’s Subsidy Control regime. DfE Subsidy Control Advice Unit provides information, advice and guidance to all NI public authorities on how projects and schemes can be designed to be compliant with the relevant regime.