Applications open for “green” Business Grant – Albania

All interested individuals or companies are invited to participate in this project, which aims to:

• Stimulate and motivate entrepreneurs to start new businesses that are environmentally friendly, designed to increase environmental sustainability or to develop businesses that are aware of their impact on the environment and take steps not only to mitigate the damage caused by their production methods and products, but to actively work towards a greener planet.

The project aims to:

• To educate businesses about sustainability in their regional and global environment in preserving and saving measurable resources;
• To support businesses in their efforts to adopt more environmentally friendly lifestyles and business practices;
• To build communities of people who take action towards smarter and more environmentally friendly consumption;
• To improve the quality of life through good consumption and maintenance of habits.

Funding Information

• The grant will support new or existing green businesses, for a period of no more than one year and in amounts up to 500,000 (five hundred thousand) ALL/business. This amount is 80% of the value of the investment that the business will make. The applicant must provide a financial contribution equal to at least 20% of the funded grant requested.

Benefits

Some of the benefits of a green business:

• Access to markets: as customers increasingly demand environmentally friendly products for due to increased eco-awareness, but also for health reasons (greater safety of products no toxic) or financial reasons (lower operating cost);
• Savings: from reduced costs, as water consumption, energy and other bills are reduced the use of resources becomes more efficient. A business that reduces its material costs, energy costs, water costs as well as other costs become more efficient, less expensive and more productive;
• Access to financial and non-financial support: as governments increasingly attach importance greater behavior towards the environment;
• Healthier and more productive workforce: whose ability to work is not compromised by health hazards such as toxins in the workplace. Workers in a green business usually will have fewer health problems than those in businesses that engage in harmful processes the environment. For example, in enterprises that use toxic chemicals, air pollution in the premises closed can cause immediate health problems, long-term health impacts.
• Workers will also be more productive because they won’t have to worry about hazards health. Greening processes can thus lead to increased business productivity;
• A healthier surrounding environment: in which the resources needed by the business are preserved for it the present and the future. By greening their businesses, entrepreneurs contribute to the maintenance of an environment in which they can operate on a profitable basis as well the future.

Eligible Applicants

• The eligible candidates and participants of the Project are all Albanian citizens over 18 years old, residents of Tirana Municipality, who have an idea to create a green business or have one existing small/medium businesses and seek to transform into eco-friendly businesses environment).
• Individuals or businesses that do not meet the criteria to be selected are those who have a conflict interest with the involved parties and the decision-makers of the Project, do not have innovative or clear ideas on its construction.
• Each applicant can participate with only one business idea. The right to participate in the Project and to have access to Grant assistance can only be used once a year.
• Applications from existing businesses will be accepted if the above criteria are met and if business:
  • It is registered in Tirana;
  • It is not in liquidation, bankruptcy or closing procedure;
  • Has paid all tax obligations as well as local taxes and fees.
  • Applications for new businesses to be created will be accepted if individuals register their business in Tirana within 15 days after signing the contract with BT.

For more information, visit Municipality of Tirana.