Business Partnership Facility 2026: Call for Proposals Now Open

 

The first edition of the Business Partnership Facility (BPF) 2026 is officially open, inviting innovative and impact-driven companies to submit proposals for projects that combine international business expansion with meaningful contributions to sustainable development. Applications are open until 8 May 2026, offering organisations across the European Union a unique opportunity to secure co-financing of up to EUR 300,000 for high-impact partnerships in developing countries.

The BPF supports private enterprises ready to deploy their expertise, technologies or services to address real development challenges while expanding into new global markets. More than 140 developing countries are eligible, reflecting the programme’s ambition to enable long-lasting, inclusive impact across diverse regions.

Business Partnership Facility: Supporting Innovation for Sustainable Impact

The BPF welcomes proposals from all sectors, provided they contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and introduce solutions that are innovative within their local context. Innovation may take many forms — from new technologies and processes to novel business models or distribution methods that address unmet needs in a developing country.

Proposed projects must demonstrate clear potential to improve living conditions, strengthen livelihoods, and foster economic and social resilience. Examples include solutions that expand access to healthcare, promote climate adaptation, improve agricultural productivity, or create sustainable employment opportunities. Projects must also consider future risks and long-term sustainability.

Who Can Apply?

Each proposal must be submitted as part of a partnership including:

• A lead partner: A private sector company legally registered in Luxembourg or another EU country for at least three years. The lead partner must employ at least five people and demonstrate a minimum annual turnover of EUR 500,000 over the previous three years.
• A local partner: An organisation based in a developing country eligible for Official Development Assistance. This can include private or public entities, civil society organisations, universities or research centres.

Additional partners may join the consortium, though no more than four are recommended to ensure effective coordination.

Projects are not eligible if they involve activities in restricted sectors such as weapons, gambling, tobacco, alcohol, pornography, extractive industries, or non-renewable energies.

Key Selection Criteria

Applications undergo a rigorous assessment based on:

• Innovation and cost-effectiveness: Solutions must stand apart from existing alternatives, showing added value in design, target group, or economic model.
• Societal impact: Projects should contribute directly to SDGs such as job creation, environmental protection, poverty reduction or improved access to essential services.
• Financial sustainability: Applicants must demonstrate the project’s ability to generate revenue beyond the co-financing period.
• Additionality and neutrality: The BPF funding should enable impact that would not be possible otherwise, while avoiding market distortion.
• Strength of partnership: Collaboration must be balanced, with all partners contributing complementary skills.
• Knowledge and technology transfer: Projects should include training and capacity-building for local actors to ensure long-term sustainability.

Timeline and Selection Process

The BPF process spans approximately ten months from submission to project launch.

Key dates include:

• Call for proposals: Open until 8 May 2026
• Pre-selection: May – June 2026
• Detailed proposal stage: July – September 2026
• Selection phase: October – November 2026
• Contracting and project start: January – February 2027

Pre-selected applicants will be invited to prepare comprehensive project proposals, including budgets, business cases and SDG-aligned results frameworks. Shortlisted teams will also participate in a pitch session before the final decision is made.

Building a More Inclusive and Sustainable World

The Business Partnership Facility embodies the belief that private enterprise can play a transformative role in addressing global development challenges. By encouraging cross-border collaboration, knowledge exchange and responsible business innovation, the programme supports companies committed to creating shared value — where business success and societal progress go hand in hand.

Enterprises with bold ideas and strong partnerships are encouraged to submit their concept notes before the 8 May 2026 deadline.

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Application can be accessed from here.

To know more such opportunities, click here.