The Green Business Innovation and Competitiveness program provides four areas of support for businesses. The first call will focus on capacity building and partnerships, and opportunities for investment in enterprises, start-ups, and companies run by women are expected in 2027.
До края на месец ноември 2026 г. се очаква старта на първата покана за кандидатстване по новата програма „Green Business Innovation and Competitiveness Programme Bulgaria“.
The total budget is 30 million euros, provided under the Financial Mechanism of the European Economic Area and the Norwegian Financial Mechanism.
The support will be provided through several separate calls for project proposals. The goal is for enterprises to become more innovative and greener, to increase their capacity, and to develop sustainable cooperation with Norwegian partners.
What opportunities lie ahead
In the period 2026-2028, a total of five receptions are planned in four separate directions:
- Building capacity and networks
This will be the first invitation under the program and is expected to be announced by the end of October 2026.
It will support training, mentoring, exchange of experience, study visits, participation in professional networks and the creation of partnerships between Bulgarian and Norwegian organizations.
The planned budget is 1.5 million euros, and the funding for a single project will be up to 150,000 euros.
- Green business innovation and competitiveness
The main investment support will be directed towards the development and implementation of green and digital products, services, technologies and solutions.
Enterprises (including large ones) with a sustainable business and financial history will be able to apply. The maximum funding per project will be up to 1.2 million euros.
Two tenders are planned – the first in the first half of 2027 with a budget of 10 million euros, and the second in 2028 with a budget of 9 million euros.
- Support for female entrepreneurship
In the second half of 2027, a special invitation is expected for micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises run by women.
It is anticipated in advance that women will own at least 55% of the ownership and participate in decision-making.
The total budget will be 3 million euros, and funding for a single project will be up to 300,000 euros. It is expected that the selection process will also include an oral presentation of the project idea.
- Support for start-ups
A separate call with a budget of 3.5 million euros will be targeted at micro-enterprises and start-up companies with ideas for green and digital solutions.
The funding will be up to 300,000 euros per project, and the invitation is expected in the second half of 2027.
How the Norwegian partners are involved
According to the first invitation, the partnership with an organization from Norway will be mandatory, while the others will not be a requirement but will be encouraged.
The Norwegian partner should contribute with technical expertise, innovative capacity, access to modern technologies, and proven experience in implementing sustainable, low-carbon and resource-efficient business solutions.
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We expect increased interest under the program, especially given that large enterprises will also apply. In this sense, early preparation can prove to be an important prerequisite for success. Fininfo.bg can help with initial orientation towards the appropriate invitation, guidance towards the necessary expertise and suitable specialists from our network, as well as connecting with potential partners from Norway.
More information about each of the upcoming invitations can be accessed from the links below (it is required). registration).
- Building capacity and networks
- Green business innovation and competitiveness
- Support for female entrepreneurship
- Support for start-ups