Growth Guarantee Scheme in Northern Ireland

Which limit applies

Borrowers outside the scope of the Northern Ireland Protocol, as amended by the Windsor Framework, can generally borrow up to £2 million per business group. Borrowers in scope can borrow up to £1 million (or such other sum as the British Business Bank notifies to the lender), unless they operate in a sector where aid limits are reduced. For businesses in primary production agriculture the limit is £285,000, and for primary production aquaculture and fisheries it is £170,000.

All borrowers answer a few short questions at application so the lender can work out whether they are in or out of scope. Being in Northern Ireland does not decide that on its own.

Subsidy allowances

A GGS facility counts as a subsidy. For businesses in scope, it is subject to the EU de minimis Regulations, and the maximum over three years is £255,000 in most sectors, £42,500 in primary production of agricultural products and £25,500 in primary production of fishery and aquaculture products. For businesses outside the scope, it is Minimal Financial Assistance under the UK Subsidy Control Act, with a maximum of £315,000 over three fiscal years.

The subsidy value is not the amount borrowed. Your lender works out the value and tells you.

Compare a facility with your allowance in the GGS subsidy allowance calculator.

Check the limit for your business with the Northern Ireland eligibility calculator.

Lending and lenders

The British Business Bank's performance data as at 30 June 2026, which combines GGS with the third Recovery Loan Scheme, shows 269 facilities in Northern Ireland and £55.89 million drawn, or 19.40 facilities per 10,000 SMEs, the lowest of the twelve regions and nations listed.

The accredited lenders list returned 33 lenders for the Northern Ireland filter on 27 October 2026.

See the accredited lenders serving Northern Ireland.