Category: News

According to an indicative plan for the publication of calls; Under the 2021-2027 Competitiveness and Cohesion Programme, several calls are planned to be launched in 2026. focusing on micro, small and medium-sized enterprises with a focus on innovation, digital transformation, energy efficiency and business internationalisation;. Although the calls for grants are still in the planning phase, the 2026 competition plan provides an indicative insight into the direction and dynamics of future aid to entrepreneurs.

It is important to underline that this is an indicative timetable that serves as planning information. Call names, eligible applicants, conditions and deadlines may be changed until their official publication.

Innovation and development of new solutions

Among the planned calls for 2026, special emphasis is placed on Proof of Concept (PoC). The call is addressed to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and research organisations that develop innovative products or processes and want to check their technical and market feasibility before commercialisation.

The call aims to strengthen R&D and innovation capacities and reduce the risk of investments in the later stages of development. Support is focused on the early stages of innovation, through activities such as prototyping, technical validation, market analysis, commercialization planning and intellectual property protection.

A total allocation of 5.3 million is envisaged. €3.7 million, of which €3.7 million €1.6 million for businesses and €1.6 million for businesses. EUR for research organisations. Individual projects are planned to receive between €26,500 and €60,000 in grants with a planned duration of 12 months.

According to the indicative plan, PoC is scheduled for the 1st and 4th quarters of 2026.

In the same innovation segment, a call is also planned Start-ups and spin-offs of young researchers, targeted at undertakings wishing to convert R&D results into market-sustainable products or services. The call aims to encourage the commercialisation of knowledge and strengthen research-based entrepreneurial activities.

According to the indicative plan, the total allocation of this call is 4.9 million. EUR and its publication is planned for Q2 2026.

Digital vouchers

Among the planned calls is also Digital voucher, intended for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises as an instrument of rapid and targeted support for business development.

Vouchers focus on financing specialised external services that can help entrepreneurs develop, innovate and strengthen competitiveness. Due to their simpler structure and shorter duration, they are often the first step in the realization of development ideas.

According to the indicative plan, the total allocation of this call is €3.9 million. EUR, and its publication is planned for the 2nd quarter of 2026.

Internationalisation, energy and business resilience

The indicative plan for the publication of the call for 2026 also includes a series of measures aimed at strengthening the competitiveness, resilience and sustainability of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

In the area internationalization, calls are planned to enable entrepreneurs to strengthen their presence in foreign markets, including the use of digital channels and tools to export products and services.

For undertakings planning investments in energy efficiency and sustainability, the indicative plan foresees a call focusing on: investments in energy storage and smart energy grids, with the aim of increasing energy stability and more efficient use of renewable energy sources. According to the plan, it is a call with a total allocation of 10 million. EUR, with the planned start of publication in Q1 2026.

The plan also includes calls aimed at Strengthening the resilience of SME business models, through process innovation and business organisation, in particular in the context of adapting to market, technological and energy challenges. This group also includes a call related to the introduction of sustainable and resilient systems and processes, with a planned release in the 2nd quarter of 2026 and a total allocation of 17.2 million. EUR.

In this context, a call is also planned. Second chance for SMEs, intended for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises that are in the phase of business recovery, restructuring or business adjustment. The aim of the call is to strengthen the financial and organisational stability of the company and to enable the continuation or adjustment of business activities in changed market conditions. According to the indicative plan, the total allocation is 11.3 million. EUR, and the call is scheduled to be launched in the 2nd quarter of 2026.

What does this plan mean for entrepreneurs?

The published indicative plan does not constitute an invitation to apply, but can serve as a Orientation for strategic planning. Based on this information you can:

• define project ideas,
• assess their own capacities and needs;
• consider possible cooperation and partnerships;
• monitor official announcements and consultations.

Our task is to continue to follow the announcement of the tender and to inform you in a timely manner about the current funding and support possibilities.

In conditions of increasing competition and open market, visibility and networking become as important as the product or service itself. For many entrepreneurs, especially micro, small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, the challenge is not only the quality of the offer, but also the arrival of potential partners, investors and larger systems. It is in this context that it is important to monitor the tools that can open up additional business opportunities.

One such tool is Supplier base developed by Ministry of Economy Republic of Croatia.

What is the supplier base?

Supplier base is free digital platform intended to present products and services of Croatian entrepreneurs to potential and existing investors in the Republic of Croatia, as well as foreign business partners.

The platform is part of the country's wider investment infrastructure and is linked to the national investment portal Invest Croatia, which serves as central contact point for investors interested in business and investment in Croatia.

Who is the base for?

The supplier database is intended for domestic entrepreneurs who want to present their products and services to potential and existing investors in the Republic of Croatia and foreign partners.

The purpose of the database is to facilitate the availability of information on domestic suppliers within investment projects and to support business internationalization activities.

What do entrepreneurs get by enrolling in the database?

Subscription to the supplier database opens an additional channel of visibility and connection. Entrepreneurs can make basic information about their business available to investors and partners who use the Invest Croatia platform as a source of information. In this way, entrepreneurs can be presented as potential suppliers within larger investment projects and supply chains, in accordance with the interests and needs of investors.

It is important to point out that the base is conceived as information and connectivity tool, not as a tender or funding scheme. It aims to facilitate the identification of domestic suppliers in the planning and implementation phase of investment projects.

How to enroll?

Registration in the supplier database is free and carried out through this links.

When enrolling, entrepreneurs enter basic information about the company, activities, products and services, which allows a clear and clear presentation to potential users of the database.

Why is this important for entrepreneurs?

For many entrepreneurs, especially those who operate outside large urban centres or do not have developed international contacts, such platforms can be an additional channel for visibility and informing potential partners about their offer.

The supplier base does not replace sales, marketing or personal access to partners, but it can be a useful first step to increase visibility. Engaging in the supplier base of the Ministry of Economy is a simple and free way for entrepreneurs to make their business profile more accessible to the wider business community. In combination with other development tools and activities, there can be additional support in strengthening competitiveness and long-term business development.

CES support for self-employment has been one of the most common entry steps into entrepreneurship for years.

In 2026, the measure remains an important support instrument, but its success remains largely dependent on it. when, how and with what idea used. Although it is often perceived as a safe start, practice shows that it represents a springboard for some, while for others it quickly becomes a source of pressure.

This is why it is important to stop and ask the key question before applying: Is CES support the right tool for my entry into entrepreneurship?

When CES support is a good opportunity

Support for self-employment most often gives good results to people entering entrepreneurship with Clearly shaped business idea and realistic expectations. These are situations where it is clear in advance what is offered to the market, who are potential customers and what are the basic costs necessary to start a business.

In this context, successful applications most often come from people who have already passed the basic idea check phase and understand what awaits them after registering a business entity.

When support becomes a problem, not a solution

Problems also arise when a business plan is created solely for the purpose of registration, without a real understanding of the market, revenues and costs. In such cases, expectations are often unrealistic, and the commitments supported come to the fore very quickly. Particularly risky are situations where a person is still looking for a business idea or planning an activity for which there is no clear demand. Then support instead of help can become additional pressure.

What does CES support for self-employment really mean in practice

CES support for self-employment is granted as de minimis aid, and the maximum amount of support depends on the type of activity. The total amount of aid may be up to €20,000.

The aid consists of: a fixed component of EUR 5 000;, which is awarded to all beneficiaries for the initial costs of establishing and registering a business entity, the costs of operating the applicant as a full-time employee and the usual running costs for the first few months of operation.

The second part of the aid variable, and the amount depends on the activity and planned investments. The variable part must be justified by the cost statement and directly linked to the registered activity. The funds can be used for Purchase of new equipment, tools, machinery, IT equipment and services necessary for the use of the equipment (e.g. installation, assembly, assembly), purchase or lease of licensed IT programs and purchase of franchises. Each planned cost must be justified in business plan.

Beneficiaries of the aid are obliged to commence their activity within the period defined in the contract and have been in business for at least 24 months. During this period, it is necessary to use the allocated funds ring-fenced, to duly demonstrate the costs incurred, and Achieve at least 50 % revenue planned in the business plan;. In case of non-compliance with contractual obligations, a request may be made Partial or full reimbursement, which further underlines the importance of realistic planning prior to the application itself.

Support as a tool, not the beginning of entrepreneurship

It is important to emphasize that CES support should not be the starting point of thinking about entrepreneurship, but rather tool that comes after basic preparation. Ideally, it is used after the business idea has already been viewed, the market at least tentatively researched, and its own strengths and weaknesses realistically assessed. Then the support can speed up entry into the job and reduce the initial financial pressure.

It is at the pre-application stage that advisory support can play a key role. By interviewing and analyzing it is possible to assess whether the business idea is mature enough, whether the CES support meets the actual needs and what long-term reporting obligations it carries. With individual counselling, we help future entrepreneurs to see the potential of a business idea, develop a business plan and make an informed decision on whether CES support for self-employment in 2026 is the right choice for their entry into entrepreneurship.

Contact us because a good start depends not only on the resources available, but on the clarity of the decision and the real foundations on which the business is built.

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More information is available here.

The holidays are an opportunity to stop and thank for the trust, cooperation and joint contribution to the development of entrepreneurship, innovation and the local community. Behind us is a period of intensive activities in which, through projects, programs and initiatives, we worked together to strengthen the Rijeka and regional development ecosystem.

With equal enthusiasm, we enter 2026 and look forward to continuing cooperation, sharing knowledge and new joint breakthroughs that create long-term value for the community.

We wish you a merry Christmas and peaceful and joyful holidays. Let the New Year bring you successful projects, quality partnerships and stable growth.