The Business Network Program offers funding and professional support for the establishment of binding strategic and market-oriented/commercial collaboration projects. The projects must have a long-term perspective and the support period can be up to 3 years. The purpose of the program is to contribute to increased competitiveness, value creation and profitability in companies.
The portfolio currently includes over 70 active business networks involving nearly 700 companies.
The business network program has had its financial framework increased through the revised state budget 2016. It is therefore open to accepting new business networks (main projects) in September 2016. It is recommended that applicants contact Innovation Norway's office in the county where the applicant is located for a non-binding conversation, before submitting an application. Applications should be submitted as soon as possible, and no later than 09.09.16. Evaluation of projects and applications in this round will take place as of 15.09.16 based on the applications that are then available. Commitments will be granted to approved projects as long as available funds are sufficient. There will be no opportunity to apply for funding for feasibility studies and preliminary projects in this round.
Who can apply?
Business networks are an offer for established and fast-growing small and medium-sized businesses in all industries, sectors and regions, who wish to establish binding strategic and market-oriented/commercial collaboration with other businesses.
One company must take the role of project manager and applicant company on behalf of all companies in the network. The company network can consist of 3 or more small and medium-sized companies registered in the Register of Business Enterprises in Norway. There is no requirement that the companies be co-located in the same region. Large companies can also be part of the network, but not be dominant. Companies abroad can also be part of the network.
What can support be applied for?
Support can be applied for towards costs related to joint activities in the business network. This could be, for example,
costs for project management and administration at the applicant company/project manager
purchase of consultancy and other external services in Norway or abroad for
project and process management
market and strategic analyses
business development/new business models
expenses for joint competence measures
expenses for joint participation in trade fairs
purchase of technical assistance
purchase of legal assistance for cooperation agreements and business contracts
The amount of support will depend on the nature of the project, the type of costs and the size of the company. All eligible costs must be recorded and appear in the applicant company's project accounts.
All awarded support must fall within the provisions for the so-called block exemptions in the state aid rules. Innovation Norway's district offices can provide further information on this.
Support period
The program supports business networking projects with a long-term perspective. The support period can be up to 3 years. Applications are made for one year at a time.
Main priorities in 2016
Projects aimed at growth in international markets
Restructuring-related projects aimed at new markets in Norway or internationally
Projects in new industries with growth potential in Norway or internationally
Important requirements for applications and collaborative projects
Main criteria for selection and prioritization of projects
Market and growth potential for companies in Norway and internationally
Value creation and employment potential in Norway
The applicant company and its business participants' overall implementation capacity (finances, expertise and capacity)
Additionality, i.e. the extent to which the support triggers the implementation of the project.
Get in touch
Contact Innovation Norway's district office in the county where you are located for a non-binding conversation about the possible establishment of a new business network.
You can also contact the subject manager for the Business Network Program Ottar Hermansen Tel: 22 00 27 92, Email: ottar.hermansen@innovasjonnorge.no
You apply for support for business networks via Innovation Norway's electronic application portal, click the relevant link below. It is recommended that the electronic application be completed with specific and relatively concise information. There is an opportunity to attach the project plan and other key documents as separate attachments to the electronic application.
Direct link to Innoavsjon Norway's application page IN inn
