ESF+ funding opportunity for inclusive entrepreneurship grants
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
- Prosperous rural areas
- Entrepreneurship
- Employment
- Social economy
A call for proposals has launched for projects promoting inclusive entrepreneurship in the EU. Apply for an ESF+ action grant by 2 September 2026.
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The call comes under the Employment and Social Innovation strand (EaSI) of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). It aims to promote inclusive entrepreneurship in the EU by supporting incubation and financing models for aspiring entrepreneurs from under-represented groups.
In the longer term, the call is expected to contribute to more inclusive labour markets, job creation, strengthened social economy ecosystems and reduced inequalities in access to entrepreneurship opportunities within the EU.
The estimated available budget is EUR 1.5 million, with two projects expected to receive funding. These should:
- develop incubation approaches tailored to vulnerable target groups;
- improve access to finance through cooperation with microfinance and social investment actors;
- strengthen entrepreneurial capacities and business readiness;
- encourage collaboration between incubators, social economy organisations, employment services and innovation ecosystems;
- generate tools and practices that can be replicated at EU level.
To be eligible, applicants should be legal entities established in an EU Member State, an EEA country, a candidate or potential candidate country, or one that is participating in the EaSI strand.
Applications should be submitted through the Funding & Tenders Portal by 2 September.
Explore the latest Rural Pact resources on the topics of entrepreneurship, social economy and employment.