Opportunities for youth

Startup grants and funding

If you are building a startup or an innovative idea in BiH, real funding exists — from EU and development programmes to local funds and innovation vouchers. Here we highlight trusted sources of support, grants and programmes for young entrepreneurs.

What will you find here?

The focus is on funding sources that are real, active in BiH and the region, and open to young entrepreneurs.

EU and development programmes for SMEs
programmes for innovation and startups
regional funds for the Western Balkans
UNDP and USAID programmes in BiH
local funds and IT communities

How to access funding?

Grants require a clear idea and preparation. The basics:

Define the problem, solution and market in a few sentences
Prepare a simple business plan and budget
Follow open calls — they have deadlines and terms
Connect with local incubators and communities

Funding programmes & open calls

EU4Business in BiHEU support for small and medium enterprises in BiH — grants, advisory and access to finance. EIT — European Institute of InnovationProgrammes, accelerators and funding for innovative startups through EIT communities (Digital, Climate, Health…). WB EDIF — Western Balkans Enterprise DevelopmentFunding and support for startups and SMEs across the Western Balkans region. UNDP Bosnia and HerzegovinaDevelopment and innovation calls for young people, entrepreneurs and communities across BiH. USAID in BiHProgrammes supporting entrepreneurship, employment and private-sector development. Bit AllianceThe local IT community and initiatives for developing startups, skills and the ecosystem in BiH.

Relevant episodes

For a story on entrepreneurship and experience from the USA, watch our episode on the USA and opportunities for youth.

A note on deadlines

Deadlines change every year — always check the current deadline on the programme’s official page before applying.

Building a startup in BiH?

Join the newsletter and follow new episodes — we share grant calls, programmes and opportunities for young entrepreneurs.

Join the newsletter

Updated: August 2026.