Deadline Date: April 12, 2026
The Austrian Development Agency (ADA) has announced the Business Partnership Challenge 2026, a funding opportunity aimed at combating poverty, promoting peace, and protecting the environment.
This initiative supports projects that foster systemic and lasting change by strengthening institutional capacities, connecting local and international partners, and implementing international norms and standards. Projects are also expected to be inclusive, engaging multiple local stakeholders such as enterprises, civil society organizations, and public authorities to reach a wide range of beneficiaries. Innovative approaches, including digital solutions, are encouraged to address development challenges specific to partner countries.
Eligible projects must contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improve living conditions in countries of the Global South, particularly in least developed countries (LDCs). While contributions to any of the 17 SDGs are accepted, all projects are required to focus on SDG 8, which promotes decent jobs and income generation for local stakeholders, and SDG 9, which supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs.
A total of EUR 5,000,000 has been allocated for the Business Partnership Challenge 2026, with grants ranging from EUR 500,000 to EUR 1,000,000 per project. Applicants must contribute at least 50 percent of the total project costs in cash. Funding disbursements will be based on verified interim financial statements, accompanied by narrative reports demonstrating project progress and financial accountability. Projects must last between three and five years, allowing for significant and measurable impact.
Eligible applicants include enterprises and chambers engaged in development cooperation under Austria’s Development Cooperation Act, as well as voluntary associations and non-profit foundations for which development cooperation is part of their statutory purpose and activities. Applicants must be based in Austria, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland, have been in operation for at least three years, and possess the administrative, technical, and financial capacity to successfully implement the project.
The Business Partnership Challenge 2026 offers an opportunity for organizations to drive innovative and inclusive development solutions while contributing to global sustainability goals, creating jobs, and strengthening local economies in the Global South.
For more information, visit Austrian Development Agency.
