Apply Now: Balkan Green Ideas Program 2026 (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Deadline: 01-Oct-26

The Balkan Green Ideas 2026 programme is inviting individuals, civil society organisations, and small private enterprises in Bosnia and Herzegovina to submit innovative green business ideas that create positive environmental and social impact. The programme supports the development of sustainable business models that address local challenges through innovation, responsible use of natural and local resources, and community involvement. At the regional level, winners can receive grants of up to USD 10,000, along with individual mentoring to further develop their green business ideas.

About the Balkan Green Ideas Programme

Balkan Green Ideas is a regional initiative supporting innovative green business models and sustainable entrepreneurial ventures across the Western Balkans. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, CENER 21 serves as the national partner for the programme. The initiative aims to encourage solutions that combine environmental protection with sustainable economic development and local community empowerment. Applicants are encouraged to develop ideas that make responsible use of natural and local resources while creating positive benefits for communities and the environment. What Types of Green Ideas Are Supported? Applicants should propose ideas that demonstrate both environmental and social value.

Eligible ideas should demonstrate:

- A sustainable business model. - An innovative approach to a local challenge. - Positive social impact. - Responsible use of local resources. - Community involvement. - Contribution to at least one relevant Sustainable Development Goal. The programme is designed to support ideas that can develop into viable and sustainable green businesses. Sustainable Development Goals Proposed business ideas must contribute to at least one of the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.

- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

- SDG 13: Climate Action.

Applicants should clearly demonstrate how their proposed idea contributes to one or more of these goals. Two Categories of the Competition The Balkan Green Ideas competition in Bosnia and Herzegovina is divided into two categories. LOT 1 – Green Idea Concept LOT 1 is intended for green business ideas that are still at the initial stage of development.

This category is open to:

- Individuals. - Legal entities. Individuals do not need to have a registered legal entity when applying. However, if an individual is selected as a regional winner, they must establish a legal entity and open a bank account in order to receive the grant. LOT 2 – Advanced Green Idea LOT 2 is intended for green business ideas that have already begun implementation. This category is open to legal entities only. Applicants in this category should demonstrate that their green business idea has progressed beyond the initial concept stage and has already started implementation. Who Can Apply? The programme is open to eligible applicants based in Bosnia and Herzegovina who meet the relevant category requirements.

Eligible applicants include:

- Individuals applying under LOT 1. - Civil society organisations. - Small private enterprises. - Legal entities meeting the relevant programme requirements. The proposed green business idea must not be more than three years old, and the applicant’s annual profit must not exceed EUR 10,000. Who Is Not Eligible? Public institutions are not eligible to participate in the programme.

This includes:

- Educational institutions. - Local government units. - Other public institutions. Applicants should ensure that they meet the programme’s eligibility requirements before preparing their submissions. How Much Funding Is Available? The financial awards are provided at the regional Balkan Green Ideas competition level.

Regional winners will receive:

- One grant of USD 10,000 for the best Advanced Green Idea. - Two grants of USD 5,000 each for the best Green Idea Concepts. In addition to the financial awards, regional winners will receive an individual mentoring programme to help further develop their business ideas. National Selection in Bosnia and Herzegovina At the national level, three ideas from Bosnia and Herzegovina will be selected to participate in the regional Balkan Green Ideas competition. The selected ideas will proceed to the regional competition, where they will compete with other green business ideas from across the region. This national selection provides applicants with an opportunity to develop their ideas further and gain exposure to a wider regional platform. Regional Balkan Green Ideas Competition The regional Balkan Green Ideas competition will take place from 3 to 5 November in Prizren, Kosovo. Three ideas selected from Bosnia and Herzegovina will participate in the regional competition. The regional competition will determine the winners of the available financial grants and mentoring support. Mentoring Support for Regional Winners Financial support is complemented by an individual mentoring programme. The mentoring is intended to help successful regional winners further develop their business ideas and strengthen their potential as sustainable green ventures. This support can be particularly valuable for applicants seeking to turn innovative concepts into stronger and more viable business models. What Should a Strong Green Business Idea Demonstrate? Applicants should develop proposals that clearly connect environmental sustainability with business and community benefits.

A strong idea should demonstrate:

- A clearly identified local challenge. - An innovative solution to that challenge. - A sustainable business model. - Positive environmental outcomes. - Positive social impact. - Responsible use of local or natural resources. - Meaningful community involvement. - Contribution to one or more eligible SDGs. - Potential for further development or implem