Entrepreneurship Enabler 2026

Objective

To recognise Estonian initiatives, programmes and projects that have made an outstanding contribution to the development of the entrepreneurial environment, the promotion of the entrepreneurial mindset, the development of entrepreneurs’ skills or supporting the launch and growth of businesses in Estonia.

The objective of the category is to:

• highlight successful projects and programmes that promote entrepreneurship;
• share best practices and experiences;
• raise awareness of the role of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in society;
• encourage new initiatives and inspire potential entrepreneurs.

Who can apply

We invite applications from all Estonian organisations that have implemented an outstanding project, programme or initiative that promotes entrepreneurship in the last three years (2023-2025). We welcome applications from:

• public sector institutions (ministries, agencies, local authorities, national and state and public authorities);
• non-profit associations and foundations;
• educational and research institutions (universities, vocational and general education schools, research institutions);
• public-private partnerships;
• business and professional organisations (clusters, associations, chambers).

Exceptionally, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs¹) can also apply if the application project is not the principal activity of the company but a separate business promotion initiative (e.g. a community or education programme).

Projects must have been running for at least 12 months at the time of application, and you can apply with ongoing or recently completed projects.

Organisations that have previously participated in the competition can apply with a new project, or with the same project if it has not previously won the category and has undergone significant changes or developments.

Evaluation criteria and process

The project must show a significant achievement in the following areas over the past three years (comprising 100% of the final result):

1. Originality and innovation – the project offers a novel, creative or unprecedented approach to promoting entrepreneurship in the Estonian context and has proven its viability (25%)
2. The direct target group of the project – number of beneficiaries, participants or businesses supported along with an explanation for the last three years (15%)
3. Impact on the Estonian economy and business environment – the project has led to a measurable change: a new company, job creation, skills development, regional development or improvement of the business environment (30%)
4. Stakeholder involvement and community impact – meaningful involvement of target groups, partners, universities and the community in project implementation; local social, cultural and environmental specificities taken into account; support for people with fewer opportunities² (15%)
5. Transferability and inspiration – the project’s approach can be replicated in other regions of Estonia or internationally; the project is documented, experience is shared and collaborative relationships with other organisations are established (15%)

Definitions 

An SME (small or medium-sized undertaking) is defined in European Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC as an enterprise with fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover not exceeding EUR 50 million and/or a balance sheet total not exceeding EUR 43 million.

People with fewer opportunities include, among others, the unemployed (especially the long-term unemployed), legal immigrants, people with special needs, people from minority ethnic groups, female entrepreneurs, young entrepreneurs and people living in regionally less developed areas.

Entrepreneurship promotion includes activities that support the entrepreneurial mindset, entrepreneurial skills, the business environment, the twin transition in companies, internationalisation or responsible and inclusive entrepreneurship. This can be done through individual projects, programmes or systematic policies.