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 came from across Latvia, with at least ten submitted in every intake area.
LIAA’s Technology Representative Office in Riga received the most applications — 63 — followed by the Creative Industries Representative Office in Riga with 48, Jūrmala with 30, Ogre with 29, the Jelgava and Bauska representative office group with 26, and Sigulda with 25. Strong interest in Riga and the surrounding area is complemented by a steady flow of applications across all Latvian regions.
Following the application deadline, LIAA has begun assessing applicants. Admission is competitive, and applications will be evaluated against the programme’s requirements and selection criteria. Selection at LIAA’s representative offices will continue until 23 October.
“Two application records in a single year show that demand for targeted support to develop young businesses continues to grow. It is particularly significant that this interest extends across Latvia. Our task now is to carefully assess the applications and select the companies with the strongest growth, innovation and export potential,” 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 develop innovative, technology-based, export-oriented or creative industry products and services. Companies developing dual-use products, as well as businesses in other eligible sectors with export or innovation potential, may also apply for support.
Programme participants can receive grants covering 70% of eligible costs, with up to €10,000 available for services, €8,000 for equipment and €5,000 for raw materials. Companies meeting the criteria for an innovative enterprise can also receive a grant of up to €10,000 towards employee remuneration costs, alongside up to €20,000 for prototyping, technology development and specialised services.
In addition to funding, participants receive expert and mentor consultations, training, networking and opportunities to exchange experience, as well as access to LIAA’s coworking spaces. The Business Incubation Programme currently supports 359 companies across Latvia. This spring’s intake added 83 new participants, while total support paid to participants since the programme began has reached €7.96 million.
Business incubation support is provided under the Programme for the Development of Innovative Entrepreneurship in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and Latvia’s state budget.
