Invest NI’s ‘Ambition to Grow’ Set to Create 66 Jobs in North West

UPDATE: New reports confirm that Invest Northern Ireland’s Ambition to Grow programme is projected to create 66 new jobs in the North West region. This initiative is part of a broader effort to support economic growth and job creation across Northern Ireland.

Launched in 2022, the Ambition to Grow programme has already supported 40 companies, with 22 of those in the North West. The initiative aims to help micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises expand their operations and tap into markets beyond Northern Ireland. As a result, these companies now plan to create a total of 137 jobs and generate over £5.2 million in new business through external sales.

Des Gartland, North Western Regional Manager for Invest NI, emphasized the programme’s impact, stating, “Since 2022, Ambition to Grow has helped over 40 companies across our North West and North Eastern regional office network. The potential for £12 million in new business by 2027 underscores the programme’s effectiveness.”

One participant, Aimee McGarrigle, Sales Manager at Strabane-based GMG Logos, shared her excitement: “Ambition to Grow has been a key programme for us to accelerate our growth. We are now planning to create three new roles to establish a marketing team that will grow our export sales, particularly online.”

The programme offers eligible businesses the chance to apply for up to £45,000 in funding to facilitate their growth. Another participant, Jo Dobbin, Founder and Managing Director of Ballymena-based Demanu, noted that participating in Ambition to Grow has provided valuable insights and plans for creating four new roles in factory operations and management.

This announcement aligns with recent statements from Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald, who revealed that the programme has assisted over 250 companies across Northern Ireland, leading to plans for more than 800 jobs and the generation of over £70 million in new business.

As the programme continues to roll out, it highlights the crucial role of entrepreneurship in driving innovation and economic growth in the region. Invest NI remains committed to fostering a balanced and prosperous economy by supporting start-ups with potential for export and helping businesses thrive in international markets.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Ambition to Grow programme and its impact on the North West economy.