The Albanian government developed the 2025 Startup Support Program to encourage creative entrepreneurship by subsidizing the most promising Albanian startups.
Recognizing the difficulty of obtaining funding during the early stages of development, as well as the high cost of transforming a product or service into a successful business, the program aims to provide continuous support to startups and incubators during critical development phases, enabling Albanian entrepreneurs to build their innovative businesses locally. Beneficiaries of this program are expected to demonstrate commercially viable models, pilot products, or market-ready services and reach initial potential customers throughout the project.
Grants are available to startups and intermediaries that are listed in the electronic database of startups and have the appropriate passport. Individuals, digital nomads, and private micro, small, and medium enterprises established in Albania within the last six years are eligible to apply.
The 2025 funding will cover 100% of project costs for successful applicants in the first phase (concept development), 85% in the second phase (validation), and 75% in the third phase (scaling and internationalization). The 2025 project will take approximately nine months to complete.
An evaluation group consisting of environmental professionals, government officials, and academics will make funding decisions on a competitive basis. The number of successful projects will be determined by the quality of the submissions and the total amount of funding available or budgeted for 2025. In addition, the Startup Albania Agency will support the program by providing mentorship and training in business development, marketing, sales, intellectual property management, and other areas tailored to the needs of businesses.
This Call Manual outlines the application requirements and procedures, providing a transparent and fair process for identifying and supporting Albania’s most talented entrepreneurs and high-performing startups.
Delina Ibrahimaj,
Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Business Climate