Briefly
Program description
The Business Partnership Challenge 2026 is a grant competition organised by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) to support long-term partnerships between European companies (Austria, EEC, Switzerland) and local organisations in developing countries to promote the private sector, job creation and sustainable development with a budget of €5 million. It focuses on partnerships that stimulate economic growth and social development and is open to businesses, NGOs and foundations working with local partners to create sustainable projects.
Main Information
Eligibility
Only the following entities are eligible to apply:
- companies and chambers (provided that they are engaged in development cooperation);
- voluntary associations and non-profit foundations (provided that development cooperation is part of their statutory objectives and actual activities);
- with head offices in Austria, EEA, or Switzerland.
The applicant must have been established for more than 3 years and must have sufficient administrative, technical, and financial capacity. Project financing depends on creditworthiness, the commercial viability of the business plan, and the applicant’s experience in the partner country. Projects involving only a one-off export without any other local activity are not eligible.
Priority is given to projects in the least developed countries (LDCs).
Financing
Disbursements are based on actual need evidenced in reports and interim financial statements. Own contribution (min 50%) must be in cash.
Non-recurring exportation projects without local activity are not eligible, nor are projects involving weapons, dangerous goods, or environmentally harmful substances.
Supported Activities
| No. | Supported activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Creating decent jobs (Sustainable Development Goals 8) |
| 2 | Supporting local SMEs (Sustainable Development Goals 9) |
| 3 | Building institutional capacity and implementing standards |
| 4 | Vocational education and training |
| 5 | Systemic changes in local markets (e.g. access to services or information) |
Roadmap
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Submission deadline | 12 April 2026 |
| Step 1 | Evaluation of short applications by the committee |
| Step 2 | Invitation of selected projects to submit full proposals and a budget |
| Implementation period | 3 to 5 years |
How to Apply
The application and full set of documents in PDF, Word, and Excel formats must be sent to wirtschaft@ada.gv.at by the deadline. All documents must be signed by an authorized signatory.
Evaluation Criteria
| No. | Evaluation criterion |
|---|---|
| 1 | Applicant’s competence and experience |
| 2 | Coherence of the theory of change and quality of risk management |
| 3 | Project impact (economic impact, contribution to the SDGs) |
| 4 | Sustainability and scalability |
| 5 | Quality of the analysis of the context and target groups |
| 6 | Systemic contribution to the local market |
| 7 | Economic viability |
Required Documents
- Short Application Form (signed).
- Project Budget Form (signed).
- Short CVs of key staff (project manager, accountant, experts).
- Extract from register / company register or equivalent (applicant(s)).
- Extract from register / company register or equivalent (local partner(s)).
- ADA Financial Health Form (completed and signed by external/internal auditor or tax consultant + documentation required therein).
- Proof of creditworthiness/financial soundness (rating evidence).
Updates / Announcements
ADA will publish answers and clarifications on its website at the latest 14 days before the submission deadline.
Reporting and Compliance
Reporting must follow ADA requirements and use indicators to verifiably present progress (output) and impact (outcome). Reports must evidence use of grant funds and achieved progress. Narrative reports are required.
Applicants commit to comply with partner country legal systems and internationally recognised reference texts (ILO Tripartite Declaration, OECD guidelines, UN Global Compact) and adhere to human rights standards (including prohibition of forced/child labour and discrimination).
Legal Terms
Funding decisions are taken solely based on guidelines and available funds. There is no legal entitlement to receive funding. Consortium members are jointly and severally liable.