Open Call for Applications: Balkan Green Ideas (North Macedonia)

Deadline: 16-Sep-2026

The Balkan Green Ideas (BGI) National Call invites applicants from North Macedonia to submit innovative green business ideas and social enterprise concepts that promote environmental sustainability, green entrepreneurship, and local economic development. The competition supports early-stage and existing initiatives that use local resources and skills while demonstrating environmental, economic, and social value. Selected national winners will represent North Macedonia at the regional competition in Prizren, Kosovo, where initiatives from six Western Balkan countries will compete for funding and recognition.

About the Balkan Green Ideas Initiative

Balkan Green Ideas is a regional initiative supporting the development and scaling of innovative green businesses and social enterprises across the Western Balkans.

The initiative focuses on:

- Environmental sustainability. - Green entrepreneurship. - Inclusive economic growth. - Social enterprise development. - Sustainable use of local resources. - Innovative solutions to environmental and economic challenges. In North Macedonia, the national competition is organized by ARNO. Purpose of the National Call The national competition aims to identify promising green business and social enterprise ideas that can contribute to sustainable development in North Macedonia. The program supports initiatives that demonstrate: - Environmental sustainability. - Economic viability. - Social impact. - Use of local resources and skills. - Potential for further development or scaling. - Contribution to relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Who Can Apply? The competition is open to eligible applicants based in North Macedonia.

Applicants may include:

- Individuals. - Civil society organizations. - Small private companies. Public entities are not eligible to participate. Close relatives of organizing staff are also excluded from eligibility. Two Application Categories Applicants can submit their ideas under one of two categories: Concept Idea or Advanced Idea. Concept Idea Category The Concept category is intended for early-stage ideas. Applicants in this category do not need to have a legally registered entity. This allows individuals and teams with promising green business or social enterprise concepts to participate before establishing a formal organization or company. Advanced Idea Category The Advanced category is intended for initiatives that already have an established legal entity.

Applicants must:

- Have an existing legal entity. - Have a maximum annual profit of €10,000. - Have an initiative that has been operating for less than three years. This category is designed for relatively developed ideas that have already moved beyond the concept stage. Project Eligibility Requirements Submitted ideas must meet the program’s core requirements.

Projects should:

- Be based in North Macedonia. - Have been in operation for less than three years. - Use local resources and skills. - Demonstrate environmental sustainability. - Show economic viability. - Generate social impact. - Contribute to at least one eligible Sustainable Development Goal. The requirements are intended to ensure that selected initiatives combine environmental goals with practical economic and social benefits. Eligible Sustainable Development Goals Applicants must demonstrate that their project contributes to at least one of the following 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.

Regional Grant Funding The total regional grant fund for 2026 is $20,000. The funding will be distributed among three regional winners:

- One Advanced Idea: $10,000.

- Two Concept Ideas: $5,000 each.

The grants are intended to support promising green business and social enterprise initiatives that demonstrate strong environmental, economic, and social potential. Additional Support for National Winners Financial support is not the only benefit available through the competition. The three national winners from North Macedonia will receive support to participate in the Regional Competition, including: - Accommodation. - Food. - Shared transportation to the regional event. - Preparation support from ARNO. - Ongoing support from ARNO and the Balkan Green Foundation. This support helps national winners prepare their projects and present them at the regional level. Regional Competition in Prizren The national competition culminates in a Regional Competition in Prizren, Kosovo. The event brings together promising initiatives from six countries across the Western Balkans. National winners will have an opportunity to present their ideas, compete for regional funding, and gain recognition for their green business or social enterprise concepts. Application and Selection Process The national competition includes several stages. Applicants first submit their proposals according to the specified requirements.

The process includes:

- Submission of an application. - Review of eligible applications. - Selection of 10 finalists. - Live online pitch before an independent jury. - Selection of 3 national winners. - Representation of North Macedonia at the regional competition in Prizren. The three selected national winners will move forward to the regional stage. Live Online Pitch The finalists will participate in a live online pitch before an independent jury. This stage gives applicants an opportunity to present their ideas directly and explain the environmental, economic, and social value of their initiatives. Applicants should therefore be prepared to clearly communicate their concept, its impact, and its potential for development. Important Application Requirements Applicants must ensure that all application materials comply with the specified requirements.

In particular:

- Applications must follow the required format. - Applicants must respect th