The Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) received 313 applications for the autumn 2026 intake of its Business Incubation Programme – the highest number in the programme’s history. The previous record was set this spring, when 297 companies applied. Applications were received from across Latvia, with at least ten applications submitted in every intake area.
LIAA’s Technology Representative Office in Riga received the highest number of applications – 63 – followed by the Creative Industries Representative Office in Riga with 48, the Jūrmala Representative Office with 30, the Ogre Representative Office with 29, the Jelgava and Bauska Representative Office group with 26, and the Sigulda Representative Office with 25 applications. Strong interest in Riga and the surrounding area is complemented by a steady flow of applications from all regions of Latvia.
Following the close of applications, LIAA has begun evaluating applicants. As admission to the programme is competitive, applications will be assessed in accordance with the programme’s conditions and established criteria. The selection process at LIAA Representative Offices will continue until 23 October.
“Two application records in a single year demonstrate that demand for targeted support for the development of new businesses continues to grow. It is particularly significant that we are seeing interest across the whole of Latvia. Our task now is to carefully evaluate the applications and select the companies with the strongest potential for growth, innovation and exports,” emphasises LIAA Director Ieva Jāgere.
LIAA’s Business Incubation Programme is intended for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises registered in Latvia that are no more than five years old and are developing innovative, technological, export-oriented or creative industries products and services. Companies developing dual-use products may also apply for support, as may businesses operating in other eligible sectors with export or innovation potential.
Programme participants can receive grants covering 70% of eligible costs – up to EUR 10,000 for services, EUR 8,000 for equipment and EUR 5,000 for raw materials. Companies meeting the criteria for an innovative enterprise can additionally receive a grant of up to EUR 10,000 to cover employee remuneration costs, as well as up to EUR 20,000 for prototyping, technology development and the purchase of specialised services.
Alongside financial support, participants receive consultations from experts and mentors, training, networking and experience-sharing opportunities, as well as access to LIAA co-working spaces. There are currently 359 companies participating in the Business Incubation Programme across Latvia. A further 83 new participants joined during this year’s spring intake, while the total amount of support paid to programme participants since its launch has reached EUR 7.96 million.
Business incubation support is provided under the Innovative Entrepreneurship Development Programme for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the Latvian state budget.
