If your company already has a developed product or service and a clear plan for its next stage, the LIAA business incubation programme is worth considering. It offers business consultations and training, as well as funding for specific development costs.
Applications for the autumn 2026 intake can be submitted until 23:59 on 24 September. Before applying, it is important to check that the company meets the programme requirements and can cover its share of the planned costs.
Who Is Eligible for Support?
A micro, small or medium-sized enterprise registered in Latvia may apply if it is no more than five years old when the application is submitted. The company’s tax debt must not exceed EUR 1,000.
LIAA also assesses the product or service itself. It must have reached at least the minimum viable product, or MVP, stage. In practical terms, a description of the idea is not enough: the solution must already be developed to a level where it can be tested in practice. Depending on the type of project, the relevant technology or business model readiness requirements must also be met.
Innovative, technology-based and export-ready companies can take part in the programme. Support may also be available to businesses in the creative industries and other eligible sectors if their product has export or innovation potential. The full eligibility criteria are published on the LIAA website.
What Support Can a Company Receive?
An LIAA grant can cover 70% of approved eligible costs. Support can reach EUR 10,000 per grant for purchasing services, EUR 8,000 for equipment and EUR 5,000 for raw materials.
Companies that meet the criteria for an innovative enterprise can access additional types of grants. A grant for employee remuneration can reach EUR 10,000, while support for prototyping and technology development services can reach EUR 20,000. Separate calculation rules apply to the employee remuneration grant.
The programme also provides non-financial support, including consultations, training, mentoring, opportunities to meet other entrepreneurs and access to coworking spaces. The amounts shown are the maximum available under each type of grant. LIAA determines the actual amount of support after reviewing the application. The grant terms are available in the programme description.
Why Does Cash Flow Need to Be Planned?
Approval of the application does not mean that the company receives money for project expenses immediately. After joining the programme, the company must submit a separate application for financial support. Once the planned activity has been completed, the company submits a payment request. LIAA then reviews the request and decides whether to disburse the support.
The company therefore needs funds both for its co-financing share and to cover expenses until the grant is paid. For example, if the approved eligible costs for a service amount to EUR 14,285.71, LIAA support covers 70%, or EUR 10,000. The company’s share is EUR 4,285.71. VAT and any ineligible costs must be considered separately.
Before ordering a service or starting work, check the terms of the financial support application. Costs incurred for activities that started too early may not be eligible for support.
What Restrictions Need to Be Checked?
The programme is not available to every sector. Ineligible sectors include trade, gambling, fisheries and aquaculture, as well as the primary production of agricultural products. Restrictions also apply to financial intermediation, with an exception for financial technology companies, and to certain real estate activities. Support is not available for the production, processing or advertising of tobacco and tobacco products.
If a company operates in several sectors, its circumstances must be assessed individually. The company should also check any de minimis aid it has already received and the rules for combining it with other funding. This is particularly important when a company is taking part in several support programmes at the same time. The full list of restrictions is available in the LIAA programme description.
How Does the Application Process Work?
First, contact the relevant LIAA representative office to discuss the company’s plans. The company then registers at liaa.business.gov.lv and submits the application with the required documents.
LIAA reviews the application and decides whether to admit the company to the programme. If the decision is positive, the company signs an agreement with LIAA. To receive funding, it must then submit a separate financial support application with a justification of the costs, including the required price survey. Once the planned activities have been completed, the company submits a payment request.
The checklist shown on the slide can be used for an initial self-assessment. The application must meet all mandatory criteria, and LIAA makes the final decision. Applications for this intake must be submitted by 23:59 on 24 September 2026. Information about the programme and the application process is available on the LIAA website.
How Can HITEXIS Help?
HITEXIS helps companies prepare project concepts and develop digital solutions. Together, we can assess the problem the product will solve, what it needs for further development and how to describe the planned work clearly in the application.
If the project receives support, our team can help develop and implement a digital product, platform or system. LIAA decides whether a company is admitted to the programme and whether funding is awarded.
If you are considering applying, contact Svetlana El Žuni: sez@hitexis.com, +371 28399796. We can discuss your idea and the next steps.
