The Development Cooperation Fund of Lithuania has launched its Business Partnerships Programme in Developing Countries, an initiative designed to foster international cooperation and advance sustainable economic development. The programme aims to strengthen business ties between companies in Lithuania and those in developing nations, contributing to global economic growth and resilience. It supports the transfer of innovative technologies and knowledge, encourages investment, facilitates the creation of high-value-added jobs, and helps companies access international funding sources. The application process is structured in two distinct stages, beginning with the submission of a Business Idea Concept.
Program Goals
• To promote business partnerships between companies in Lithuania and developing countries.
• To contribute to the development of developing countries and global sustainable economic development, economic growth, and resilience building.
• To promote the transfer of innovative technologies and knowledge, invest, and create sustainable, high-value-added jobs.
• To facilitate companies’ access to international funding sources.
Funding Information
• Overall Indicative Amount: Up to EUR 600,000 is available for the call.
• Maximum Project Funding: Projects may be awarded funding of up to EUR 300,000.
• Maximum Funding Intensity: Up to 70 percent of eligible project costs for small and medium-sized enterprises, and up to 50 percent for large enterprises.
Eligible Stages for Funding
• Search for business partners and development of a partnership model: Maximum financing up to EUR 15,000.
• Feasibility studies: Maximum financing up to EUR 100,000.
• Preparation of a business plan: Maximum financing up to EUR 100,000.
• Environmental and social impact studies: Maximum financing up to EUR 150,000.
• Development, implementation and expansion of innovations: Maximum financing up to EUR 300,000.
• Pilot (demonstration) projects in developing countries: Maximum financing up to EUR 300,000.
• Training of local workers and strengthening of their competences (related to investment and jobs created in developing countries): Maximum financing up to EUR 100,000.
• Expansion of a business operating in developing countries for sustainable economic development and resilience: Maximum financing up to EUR 300,000.
Eligibility Criteria
• Companies registered in the Republic of Lithuania may apply as lead applicants, with companies in developing countries as project partners.
• Consortia involving a Lithuanian company with companies registered in developing countries are eligible.
• Non-governmental organisations, research, and educational institutions registered in Lithuania that cooperate with business enterprises and are commercially oriented may apply as lead applicants, with partners from developing countries.
• Applicants and partners must be registered and have been carrying out activities for no less than 3 years, though this requirement does not apply to start-ups developing innovative products and services.
• Applicants must meet all other requirements as stated in the Funding Terms and Conditions.
Project Implementation Period
• The duration for project activities is between 4 and 24 months.
• For projects with a total value less than or equal to EUR 50,000, the duration is no longer than 12 months.
• For projects with a total value more than EUR 50,000, the duration is no longer than 24 months.
Application Process
• Stage 1 - Business Idea Concept: Applicants must submit a Business Idea Concept in Lithuanian through the 'Submittable' electronic system. The deadline is September 10, 2026, at 17:00 Lithuanian time. Supporting documents must be attached as specified.
• Stage 2 - Project Application: Only applicants who successfully pass the first stage will be invited to submit a full project application. A unique link to the submission system will be provided to these selected applicants. The application must also be completed in Lithuanian.
Key Dates and Information Event
• Business Idea Concept Deadline: September 10, 2026, 17:00 Lithuanian time.
• Information Event for Applicants: A remote event will be held in Lithuanian on July 16, 2026, at 10:00.
• Event Registration Deadline: Registration is open until July 14, 2026, at 17:00 Lithuanian time.
Consultations and Contact
• Email for Questions: vbfondas@cpva.lt
• Phone Number: +370 656 59004
• Note: To ensure equal treatment and transparency, no prior assessment of compliance with the Funding Terms and Conditions will be provided during consultations.
This initiative presents a significant opportunity for eligible organizations to expand their international partnerships and contribute to sustainable global development. Interested parties are encouraged to review the official Funding Terms and Conditions and other relevant documents available on the CPVA website for a comprehensive understanding of the requirements and to prepare their submissions.