The Business Partnership Support program—funded by Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs—offers financial grants to Finnish companies and organizations aiming to build sustainable, profitable partnerships in developing markets. The grant supports early-stage project phases including planning, training, piloting, feasibility studies, and development of existing operations, while ensuring positive social and environmental impact in target countries.
This support is part of Finland’s official development cooperation and encourages private sector engagement in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through responsible and inclusive business.
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants include:
- Companies registered in Finland (Ltd, partnerships, sole proprietors)
- Finnish public institutions
- Research institutions, universities, chambers of commerce, cooperatives
- NGOs/associations registered in Finland
- Consortia of the above
Applicants must implement the project themselves, and the project must hold strategic importance for their operations.
Eligible Project Types
Projects must serve developing markets and aim to build long-term cooperation. Supported activities include:
1. Long-term Business Partnerships (most common)
- Joint ventures with local actors
- Establishing subsidiaries
- Importing goods into Finland or third countries
- Service, subcontracting, franchise, or licensing agreements
- Developing existing in-country operations
2. Piloting with ODA-eligible International Organizations
3. Feasibility Studies for Investment Projects (PIF)
4. Support Function Projects
5. Innovation Funding
Co-creating new solutions with local partners to address local challenges
Development Impact Requirement
Projects must demonstrate contributions to sustainable development, such as:
- Job creation and skills development
- Clean energy and climate resilience
- Equality, nondiscrimination, and inclusion
- Technology transfer
- Environmental protection
Applicants must complete a development impact assessment and commit to compliance with local laws and international standards.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted year-round.
The application includes:
- Basic information sheet
- Application form submitted via e-Service
- Required appendices (all must be uploaded before processing begins)
Instructions & forms: Available via Finnpartnership’s e-Service
Application Workshops
Finnpartnership hosts monthly virtual sessions covering:
- Eligibility
- Project types
- How to prepare a strong application
- Tips for development impact assessment
Sign up on the Finnpartnership website
Why This Grant Matters
Finnpartnership supports Finland’s development policy priorities by empowering responsible business that:
- Reduces poverty
- Promotes equality
- Drives climate-resilient, low-emission development
- Supports biodiversity and environmental protection
Projects undergo multi-stage monitoring, and recipients must submit mid-project, final, and long-term (4-year) impact reports. These results contribute to national impact reporting.
Contact
More information: visit Finnpartnership
For questions: via e-Service
Workshops: monthly (registration required)
