From 24 February to 24 March 2026, the Ministry of Welfare invites aspiring social entrepreneurs to submit applications for a social entrepreneurship business idea competition. The aim of the competition is to encourage new participants to enter the field of social entrepreneurship and to support ideas with a positive social impact.
Within the competition, 20 best aspiring social entrepreneurs will be selected to receive individual consultations for developing their business ideas, as well as an opportunity to apply for financial support (a grant) from the Development Finance Institution Altum to implement their initiatives.
Applicants are encouraged to submit ideas addressing various social challenges, such as employment opportunities for people at risk of social exclusion, accessibility of social services, strengthening an inclusive civil society, promotion of education and science, environmental protection and preservation of natural resources, animal welfare, and fostering cultural diversity.
Each applicant may submit one business idea and may apply for an Altum grant ranging from EUR 10,000 to EUR 40,000. Applicants must ensure co-financing of at least 10% of the total project budget. If support is granted, the applicant will be required to obtain the status of a Social Enterprise — granted by the Ministry of Welfare to a limited liability company (SIA) in accordance with the Social Enterprise Law — and implement the Altum-supported business plan. The implementation period for the business plan is up to two years.
The competition regulations, application form and additional information are available on the Ministry of Welfare website:
www.lm.gov.lv/lv/socialas-uznemejdarbibas-uzsaceju-biznesa-ideju-konkurss-2026.
Applications must be submitted by 24 March 2026 at 23:59 by sending an application signed with a secure electronic signature to registracija.su@lm.gov.lv or via the official electronic address of the Ministry of Welfare.
Questions regarding the preparation of the application can be submitted by phone at +371 20683997 or by email to registracija.su@lm.gov.lv.
The competition is funded within the ESF+ project “Support for Social Entrepreneurship” (No. 4.3.3.3/1/24/I/001).
