The European Union (EU), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Rural Development Agency (RDA) of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia are inviting Georgian start-up and existing businesses to submit their proposals for a non-farm business matching grants competition.

The grants programme aims to foster rural economic diversification, create sustainable employment, and improve sustainable management of natural resources and climate action in rural areas.

The grant initiative is part of a broader EU-funded ENPARD programme that has been supporting agriculture and rural development in Georgia since 2013 with a total budget of EUR 179.5 million. ENPARD provides economic opportunities in rural areas, aiming to reduce poverty in Georgia.

Funding Information

The matching grants’ program consists of the following key components:

• Targeting business start-ups and expansion, with a minimum grant of 20,000 GEL and maximum grant of 340,000 GEL per beneficiary for the duration of the programme. However, the maximum co-finance grant amount per project cannot exceed 170,000 GEL. The grantees will be required to co-finance at least 20% of the total business project value.
• Initially targeting energy efficiency measures for businesses. The minimum grant amount is 1,500 GEL and the maximum 30,000 GEL per application. The grantees will be required to co-finance at least 20% of the total project value.

The programme will be implemented in the eight municipalities: Akhalkalaki, Borjomi, Dedoplistskaro, Kazbegi, Keda, Khulo, Lagodekhi and Tetritskaro.

Limitation

The programme will not finance projects related to:

• Production of military, nuclear, alcohol and alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and hazardous substances;
• Primary and food production of agricultural products (exceptions are energy efficient and renewable energy use projects related to these activities);
• Gambling business, gambling games;
• Financial services;
• Charity and religious activities;
• Trade.

For more information, visit UNDP.