As town centres across Northern Ireland continue to face economic challenges—declining retail, changes in housing, reduced footfall—the need for bold, community-led regeneration has never been greater. The FTC Capital Fund, launched in partnership with the Department for Communities NI, was created to support precisely this kind of ambition. And few organisations embody that spirit better than Dungannon Enterprise Centre.
We’ve worked with the team at Dungannon for many years. As a repeat borrower, they’re a trusted client who understands how to turn vision into action. Their latest project is a perfect example of what happens when local knowledge meets the right kind of flexible finance.
When a vacant property in the heart of Dungannon came up for sale, the team knew it could be a catalyst for town centre revitalisation. But acting quickly on an opportunity like that takes more than ambition—it takes access to the right financial tools. Through a flexible term loan from Community Finance Ireland, backed by the FTC Capital Fund, Dungannon Enterprise Centre was able to acquire, refurbish, and fully let the new space in just three months.
It wasn’t just about bricks and mortar. It was about designing a space that truly meets rural business needs. As Brian MacAuley, Centre Manager, explained, urban-style hot desks weren’t the right fit. So they innovated—creating semi-private “barn door” pods that offer flexibility and privacy, tailored to how rural professionals prefer to work.
The result? A new enterprise hub that’s not only full, but buzzing with energy—supporting local entrepreneurs, bringing life back to the town, and laying the groundwork for future regeneration. And this is just the beginning. Brian and his team are already scoping out further properties, determined to continue their work on revitalising Dungannon.
For us at Community Finance Ireland, this is what social finance is all about—supporting organisations with both social and economic impact, offering the flexibility to act quickly, and backing visionary leaders with a strong track record.
Learn more about how the FTC Capital Fund and CFI helped Brian and his team in Dungannon in this short video:
If your community has a project in mind but aren’t sure where to start, get in touch with us today and we will put you in touch with the Client Relationship Manager working in your local area to discuss your plans.
