How to get public funding for European business cooperation

See fact boxes for the full list of applicable countries

When InterConsult Bulgaria, a Sofia-based software supplier, met Norwegian engineering consultants Kongsberg Terotech, the two companies realised that they could profit from cooperating.

Through the EEA and Norway Grants, the companies received funding for developing Green Monitor, a software tool for heavy industries.

Together, they brought Green Monitor to market and found customers in both Bulgaria and Norway, as well as winning a European IT award.

And the Bulgarian-Norwegian duo is not alone.

Over the last seven years, the EEA and Norway Grants have financed around 270 similar projects. In 2020 alone, it is expected that the business development part of the grants will allocate more than EUR 200 million.

How do the EEA and Norway Grants work?

Through the EEA Norway Grants, two companies from different countries can receive funding to carry out a project together. One company must be from a recipient country and the other must be from a financing country (Norway, Iceland or Liechtensein). See fact boxes for a full list of recipient countries.

There are different programme areas and funding is available through calls for proposals. Each call includes information about who can apply and which projects are funded. Calls for proposals under the different programme areas are posted here.

The grants are mainly aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), but not exclusively.

Find a partner through digital B2B matchmaking

B2B matchmaking events dedicated to the different programme areas are held to help companies from different countries to find a project partner. Read more about partnership opportunities here.

How much money can I receive?

The awarding of the grant depends on EU state aid rules. The minimum amount to be applied for is EUR 200 000; the maximum is typically EUR 2 million. On average, beneficiary companies are required to finance 40 to 60 per cent of the project themselves.

Why should I apply for a grant?

A grant offers many benefits, both immediate and in the long term.

For companies in recipient countries, a grant is a wonderful chance to develop and green your business. This can strengthen your position in the market and increase your competitiveness.

For companies in financing countries, a grant can give you access to new markets and new customers, as well as a chance to improve your products with low financial risk.