The bioresource valorisation investment support helps companies implement innovations related to the green transition. The support is intended for those who want to increase the economic value of nature-based materials and use them more efficiently. Support is available to companies that have been operating for at least two financial years and whose average turnover over the previous two years is at least equal to the amount of support requested. The minimum amount per application is €100,000 and the maximum is €1.5 million. A total of €9.3 million will be distributed. The funding comes from the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility. The support can be used to purchase or upgrade equipment and machinery that enables better processing of bioresources. For example, it covers solutions for producing protein or biomaterials from grain, fishmeal or fish oil from fish, generating bioenergy from food industry residues, or replacing fossil-based packaging materials with renewable alternatives. It also supports the valorisation of by-products from milk production that can be used in health products or pharmaceuticals. One goal is to encourage carbon-neutral production and smart use of resources. Applications must be submitted via the State Shared Service Centre’s e-support environment by 22 April 2025 at 16:30. Before submission, a procurement process must be carried out in the public procurement register – the deadline for submitting price offers must be at least 15 working days. The application period has been extended to give companies more time for procurement and to reduce the risk of incomplete applications. PRIA emphasises that support is not granted simply for claiming environmental benefits. A well-prepared business plan and concrete investments that create added value or result in clear environmental improvements are required. For example, PRIA representatives have previously stated that it is essential for the company to be capable of implementing changes in production or product quality that have a real impact. Decisions on whether applications are approved or rejected will be made no later than 18 July 2025. Successful applicants must complete their investments by 31 May 2026. More information about the support conditions and application process is available on PRIA’s website. For questions, assistance is available via the PRIA investment support helpline at 737 7678 or by email at info@pria.ee.

From April 21, 2025, Estonian apartment associations can apply for state support aimed at improving their preparedness for crisis situations such as power outages, heating failures, or disruptions in water supply. The grant is managed by the State Shared Service Centre (RTK) in cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior. Purpose and Conditions The purpose of the grant is to improve the resilience and crisis readiness of apartment associations. The support covers **100% of eligible costs**, up to a **maximum of €10,000 per association**. Applications are accepted from **April 21 until November 30, 2025**, or until the allocated budget is exhausted. What Can Be Funded? The grant can be used for a range of crisis preparedness improvements, including: - Purchase of emergency power generators or other vital equipment - Preparation of crisis plans and conducting trainings - Improvement of communications systems and other critical infrastructure How to Apply Applications must be submitted via the **e-support environment**. RTK recommends carefully planning the necessary activities and budget before applying to ensure successful implementation of the project. Additional Context According to the Ministry of the Interior, this initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance community resilience in light of increasingly frequent disruptions. In an earlier announcement, Minister Lauri Läänemets emphasized that, _"The state wants to support housing associations in becoming more capable of dealing with crises on their own."_ This support is an important opportunity for apartment associations to strengthen safety and self-sufficiency for their residents. Early preparation is encouraged to make full use of the available funding.

The Circular Economy Programme supports activities that help save resources, reduce waste, and promote sustainable practices. It is aimed at businesses, municipalities, and other organizations that want to contribute to environmental protection. The programme provides funding for the sustainable use of mineral resources, landscape restoration, the organization of geological information, and actions that reduce the environmental impact of resource extraction. It also supports the adoption of circular economy models, raising environmental awareness, and developing sustainable consumption and production solutions. In the 2025 spring application round, funding will be available for obtaining EMAS environmental management certification and the EU Ecolabel. The autumn round will include additional activities, which are still being finalized. In previous years, the programme has supported projects involving eco-design, life-cycle assessment, industrial symbiosis, and circular-based products and services. It has also funded efforts to prevent waste, promote reuse, and conduct research related to plastics, textiles, and sustainable use of natural resources. Eligible applicants include local governments, businesses, non-profit organizations, foundations, public legal entities, and sole proprietors. Projects can last up to 24 months, and research or development activities can run up to 36 months. Extensions may be granted if needed. Applications go through compliance and content evaluations, and the process may take up to three months from the application deadline. Specific funding amounts and requirements are published at the opening of each call. The Circular Economy Programme is a valuable opportunity for organizations to make their activities more environmentally friendly and to support Estonia’s transition to sustainability. Through this programme, practical and impactful solutions can be implemented to conserve natural resources and raise awareness on environmental issues.

In the latest round of the “Construction e-Leap” programme, 34 projects received funding to support the digitalisation of the construction sector. The total amount of support is €470,000, with an average of €13,827 per project. The programme is funded by the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (NextGenerationEU), coordinated by the Ministry of Climate and implemented with the support of the State Shared Service Centre. Among the supported projects are the Estonian Association of Architects, developing a design price calculator; AS Teede Tehnokeskus, introducing modern sensors for infrastructure data collection; and Elva municipality, working on a geographic information system for cross-use of geodetic data. The projects span various subfields of construction but all aim to improve efficiency and reliability through digital tools. According to Ivo Jaanisoo, Deputy Secretary General for Living Environment and Circular Economy at the Ministry of Climate, “Digitalising the construction sector is essential for increasing productivity, saving resources, and improving data quality.” He added: “When one actor—be it a client, builder, or municipal specialist—becomes more digitally capable, it inevitably impacts all other parties they interact with. Knowledge and skills then spread across the entire supply chain.” Arvi Kuura, Head of the Digital Services Department at the State Shared Service Centre, emphasized: “We’re glad that this time applications came from a wide range of fields and regions—it shows that the development of construction digitalisation affects a broad target group and that organisations are ready for change. We hope that the implementation of these projects will generate many good examples and useful tools.” The total budget for the Construction e-Leap programme is €4.5 million, and it runs until the end of 2025. In previous rounds, 70 projects have already received support, covering product development, process improvements, and training. The goal is to shape the construction sector into a more transparent and modern field where decisions are driven by better data and more efficient work.

Agricultural producers in Estonia now have the opportunity to apply for a new support measure that helps compensate for yield losses caused by natural disasters in 2024. The support is specifically aimed at those whose rapeseed, turnip rape, or spring barley fields were affected by winter damage, drought, pests, or other extreme weather events. Both individuals (sole proprietors) and legal entities are eligible to apply, provided they cultivated at least five hectares of rapeseed, turnip rape, or spring barley in 2024. The application period is short: from April 30 to May 7, 2025. PRIA (the Agricultural Registers and Information Board) will assess damage based on specific weather phenomena such as winterkill, spring frost, spring drought, heatwaves, pest infestations, and excessive rainfall. Support levels are calculated based on average yields by county and crop type. Damage is assessed on a per-field basis, and support is granted if the actual yield is at least 30% lower than the five-year average. The larger the damage, the higher the compensation per hectare. The support rates are: - €81 per hectare for 30–49.99% yield loss - €135 per hectare for at least 50% yield loss PRIA will disburse the payments by December 31, 2025, at the latest. Pre-filled application forms will be made available in the e-PRIA portal, making the application process faster and more convenient for farmers. An important prerequisite is that the applicant must have submitted an area-based aid application in 2024 and declared at least five hectares of rapeseed, turnip rape, or spring barley on it. The total budget for this support is €13.5 million, fully financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). This quick and targeted support measure helps farmers cope with nature-related challenges and ensures the continuation of agricultural production under difficult circumstances. More detailed information is available on PRIA's website: [pria.ee/toetused/erakorraline-loodusonnetusest-pohjustatud-kahju-huvitamise-toetus](https://www.pria.ee/toetused/erakorraline-loodusonnetusest-pohjustatud-kahju-huvitamise-toetus)

Grants help implement projects that support Estonia’s development, but applying for them can be complicated. Fortunately, there are services that make the process easier. Recently, the media has discussed the large number of state support measures and the complexity of applying for them. In addition to budget-funded, EU structural fund, and international cooperation programs (such as the Estonia–Latvia, Central Baltic, Swiss–Estonian, and Norway and EEA programs) managed by the State Shared Service Centre (RTK), Estonia also has many other support schemes, such as in the agricultural sector. This variety can seem overwhelming, but the grants are widely used. According to RTK, 70% of the €3.4 billion budget for the 2021–2027 EU structural fund period has already been allocated to projects, and 14% has been paid out. In addition, 13% of the implementation plan is result-based, which means the focus has shifted more toward actual outcomes rather than the technical details of the process. This allows policymakers to create simpler national solutions to ensure that support reaches those whose actions contribute to long-term national goals. Oversight processes have also changed – expenses are increasingly being verified through simplified procedures. For RTK-administered grants, the average payment time is 27 days, meaning the applicant receives the funds within a month of submitting their expenses. These grants have significantly contributed to developing Estonia’s economy, improving quality of life, and enhancing the living environment. Still, not all recipients are satisfied. Several local government leaders have criticized RTK’s procedures. For example, Väike-Maarja municipal mayor Indrek Kesküla stated that the agency focuses too much on minor details, which causes unnecessary extra work and delays. Similar experiences have occurred in other municipalities, and some cases have even led to legal disputes. There are also many positive examples. A recent call for proposals was launched to support children with rare diseases, combining efforts from the state and nonprofit organizations. This funding helped cover the cost of medications and services not reimbursed by health insurance. Other programs have supported the green transition, digital development, and balanced regional growth. How can easy.ee help with applying for grants? If the application process feels complicated, **easy.ee** can help. Their goal is to guide you in finding the right funding opportunity and assist you throughout the entire process – from preparing the necessary documents to submitting the application and handling reporting. Easy.ee helps make complex grant requirements understandable and prevents mistakes that could hinder success. They know the expectations of various institutions and can advise on which programs best match your goals or organization. Their experience allows you to save time and focus on the substance of your project, not paperwork. Whether you're working on a business development plan, a nonprofit initiative, or a municipal project – easy.ee helps you find the right support and apply for it successfully.

The State Shared Service Centre (RTK) has announced changes to the application conditions for the South-East Estonia Business Development Grant. The new rules are designed to make it easier and more flexible for entrepreneurs in the region to apply, helping boost local business growth. One of the key updates is the reduction in the required self-financing rate. Instead of the previous 50%, applicants now only need to contribute a minimum of 30% of their own funds. In addition, the list of eligible activities has been expanded. Alongside purchasing production equipment, entrepreneurs can now apply for support in marketing and product development. According to an RTK spokesperson, these changes were made in response to feedback from previous applicants. “We want South-East Estonian entrepreneurs to have better opportunities to grow their businesses and stimulate the region’s economy,” the representative stated. The South-East Estonia Business Development Grant plays a vital role in strengthening the local economy. With the updated and more inclusive conditions, the goal is to attract a wider range of applicants and support more diverse projects that contribute to the area’s development. Find more info: https://rtk.ee/kagu-eesti-ettevotluse-arengutoetuse-andmine-2021-2027

Private forest owners once again have the opportunity to apply for support to compensate for income lost due to nature conservation restrictions. Applications can be submitted from April 4 to April 30, 2025. Purpose and Conditions of the Support The aim of the Natura 2000 private forest biodiversity support is to compensate forest owners for income they lose when their forest land is located in areas with nature protection restrictions. Support can be applied for forest land that is within the Natura 2000 network’s limited management zone, strict protection zone, or a designated future protection area, including strict protection zones outside Natura 2000 areas. The support rates depend on the level of protection: - €160 per hectare in a strict protection zone or in the strict protection zone of a protected natural object; - €160 per hectare in a limited management zone or special conservation area containing a designated forest habitat as defined in the EU directive; - €160 per hectare in a projected strict protection zone; - Up to €60 per hectare in a limited management zone or special conservation area without a designated forest habitat. How to Apply and When to Expect Support Applications must be submitted via the e-PRIA portal. If you are a new user, you must first register as a PRIA client. Instructions for client registration and updating your data are easily accessible within the e-PRIA environment. The Environmental Investment Centre processes the applications and will make decisions no later than April 30, 2026. PRIA will pay out the support by June 30, 2026. Why Did the Support Rates Increase? Minister of Regional and Rural Affairs Piret Hartman has explained that the updated support rates are fairer and better reflect the income loss experienced by forest owners. The unit rate for areas under stricter protection increased by 19.4%, now covering 81% of the estimated income loss. This change helps to better balance the impact of nature protection restrictions on the management of private forests. This support is aimed at forest owners whose land is subject to nature protection restrictions. If your forest land is located in one of these areas, it's worth reviewing the support conditions and submitting your application on time. This is an opportunity to recover part of the income lost due to conservation measures. More information can be found on the support page: https://www.pria.ee/toetused/natura-2000-erametsades-elurikkuse-soodustamise-toetus-2025

The Estonian state is allocating 70 million euros to help local governments make their buildings more energy-efficient, aiming to reduce energy costs and environmental impact. The funding is split into two parts: 45 million euros for renovating existing buildings and 25 million euros for constructing new nearly zero-energy buildings. The main goals are to reduce energy consumption, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and lower building maintenance costs, while also improving indoor climate and increasing the use of renewable energy. These improvements are meant to make public buildings more comfortable and efficient, directly benefiting local residents. According to the Minister of Finance, this measure improves the quality of public services and reduces energy costs for municipalities. The Minister for Regional Affairs emphasized that the support also helps create better living environments and supports regional development. The eligible applicants include municipalities, their sub-agencies, and joint institutions formed by multiple municipalities. The support rate varies between 40% and 70% of the total project cost, depending on the municipality’s revenue per resident. The maximum support for a single project is 945,000 euros. Applications must be submitted by 28 June 2025 at 4:00 PM. The expected result is the renovation or construction of around 70,000 square meters of heated space and an annual CO₂ emission reduction of 1,746 tons. In earlier funding rounds, buildings like the Rakke multifunctional service center and the Roosna-Alliku kindergarten have been renovated, resulting in lower energy costs and improved energy efficiency. This support scheme is a significant step forward in modernizing municipal properties. In public discussions, it has been noted that such investments pay off not only through financial savings but also through improved comfort, health, and satisfaction of residents. Ultimately, the program provides better conditions for public service delivery and sets a clear path toward a more environmentally conscious future.

Since 2023, the Estonian state has allocated approximately 275 million euros from European funds to renovate apartment buildings. As a result, living conditions will improve for an estimated 32,000 people across the country. Former Minister of Infrastructure Vladimir Svet emphasized that Estonians have a strong and growing desire to renovate their homes. He highlighted that special attention to the Ida-Viru region has boosted renovation activity there and expressed hope that renovation will also pick up on the islands. According to the former minister, this support not only improves people’s quality of life but also contributes to the development of Estonia’s construction market and creates thousands of jobs. With co-financing from apartment associations, the total investment volume reaches 435 million euros. Taniel Vain, head of apartment association support at the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency (EIS), noted that the call for applications opened in October last year, totaling 175 million euros, is the largest ever. Some funding decisions are still pending, but already 175 apartment buildings have received support. Among those are heritage-protected and historically valuable buildings, large buildings with more than 100 apartments, and even entire neighborhoods where multiple buildings are being renovated at once. In addition to grants, EIS also offers renovation loans for housing associations whose projects are not financed by banks or are offered unfavorable conditions. Taniel Vain stressed that the most energy-efficient result is achieved through full renovation, which the grant is designed to support. However, the loan provides an opportunity to carry out the most urgent work. EIS has made funding decisions for a total of 365 apartment associations. In the 2023 nationwide call, about 160 projects were supported with 80 million euros, and nearly 50 renovated buildings are already completed or nearing completion. In 2024, two regional calls in Ida-Viru have funded 32 more projects. The largest number of supported associations are in Harjumaa (49), Tartumaa (46), and Viljandimaa (36). Applications can still be submitted in regions such as Hiiumaa, Saaremaa, Põlvamaa, and Valgamaa, as well as for large apartment buildings. A new 10 million euro call is also open for Ida-Viru housing associations. According to Vladimir Svet, over half a billion euros from various EU funds have been allocated for building renovations in Estonia until 2026. He hopes this kind of stability for apartment associations and the construction sector will continue in the long term. EIS also provides guarantees for associations considered higher risk by banks. In 2024, 36 guarantee agreements were signed, backing loans worth 12 million euros—resulting in improved living conditions for residents in 36 more apartment buildings.

For Estonian companies, expanding into foreign markets is often associated with significant financial challenges. The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Foundation (EIF) offers an export loan, which is designed to finance export transactions for goods produced in Estonia. It allows exporters to offer foreign buyers long-term payment terms, while receiving up to 95% of the sales transaction money immediately upon delivery of the goods or services. The minimum payment term starts from two years and can reach up to ten years, with the loan amount being up to 15 million euros per buyer. An export loan is aimed at companies operating in Estonia that produce capital-intensive durable goods or provide long-term services and sell them directly to end customers in a foreign country. This means that an export loan is not suitable for companies that sell their products through resellers or intermediaries. Using an export loan gives companies the opportunity to offer buyers a purchase financing solution in addition to the sale of goods or services. This can be a decisive factor in concluding a transaction, as it allows the seller to receive money immediately, while the foreign buyer pays according to a schedule, at least two payments per year. In addition, an export loan can also finance the seller's own production period costs, whereby when financing the production period, the seller pays only the agreed export loan interest until the goods are delivered. An export loan is accompanied by mandatory credit insurance, which allows you to verify the creditworthiness of the foreign partner already during the transaction. In the event of the realization of possible insured risks, for example, if the buyer becomes insolvent even when the goods being produced have not yet been delivered, this provides the opportunity to receive insurance compensation of up to 95% of the value of the export transaction or the amount of production costs incurred. An export loan can also finance the insurance premium for mandatory credit insurance and include it in the value of the export transaction. Several Estonian companies have already expanded their operations and entered foreign markets with the help of export loans. For example, Procon OÜ, which offers complete solutions for energy production and use, used EIS export loans and credit insurance to implement a project worth approximately 2 million euros. Margus Arvisto, a member of the Procon board, said: "EIS export loans and credit insurance played a key role in the development of our company, enabling us to implement a project worth approximately 2 million euros, which we would not have been able to implement without their support. The loan covered our production costs and kept cash flows in balance, ensuring the successful implementation of the project." The export loan has also helped AS Hekotek, the largest mechanical engineering company in the Baltics, to achieve a deal where one of the customer's criteria for selecting a supplier was the supplier's ability to offer a payment period of several years for the purchase of the purchased goods. Rain Nuka, CFO and member of the board of Hekotek, noted: "The EIS export loan and the credit insurance issued to secure it enabled us to achieve a transaction where one of the criteria for the customer's selection of a supplier was the supplier's ability to offer a payment period of several years for the purchase of the purchased goods. Based on our own resources, we as a supplier were not able to offer this to the customer. EIS gratefully came to support us as a financial partner in this transaction, allowing us to compete on an equal footing with our competitors, taking into account the customer's wishes." If your company is planning to expand into foreign markets and needs financing for this, it is worth considering the possibilities of an export loan.

The Environmental Investment Centre (KIK) has opened a new call for applications on March 24, 2025, aimed at supporting waste prevention, reducing packaging waste, and promoting reuse in Estonia. The total budget for this funding round is €5 million, with at least €2 million allocated to projects outside the Tallinn and Tartu regions. The funding focuses on three main activities: 1. Reducing Food Waste Projects that create or develop platforms and systems enabling consumers and businesses to donate or redistribute food that would otherwise be wasted are eligible for funding. This includes food-sharing cabinets, cooperation with local food banks, and smart solutions for the catering and retail sectors. Individual projects can receive between €10,000 and €200,000. 2. Improving Packaging Recycling Businesses can apply for support to replace packaging lines or parts of them to adopt recyclable packaging and materials. The funding also covers packaging design costs if they are part of a comprehensive project. Grants range from €50,000 to €500,000. 3. Expanding the Use of Reusable Packaging Funding is available for investments in establishing or expanding reusable packaging systems, including acquiring necessary equipment and technology. Support for individual projects can range from €50,000 to €2 million. Eligibility and Application Process Small and medium-sized enterprises, non-profit organizations, foundations, and local municipalities are eligible to apply. Applications must be submitted via the e-support system, selecting the appropriate category based on the project's location: - Tallinn and Tartu Region: Includes Tallinn city, Maardu city, and surrounding municipalities such as Harku, Saue, Saku, Kiili, Rae, Jõelähtme, Viimsi, and Tartu city. - Outside Tallinn and Tartu: All other areas in Estonia. The level of funding and co-financing requirements depend on the specific activity and the type of applicant. For detailed information, applicants are encouraged to review the funding conditions published on KIK’s website. Call for Participation The Minister of Environment has emphasized that reducing waste and promoting reuse are crucial steps toward a circular economy, contributing to environmental sustainability and resource efficiency. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to participate and contribute to a greener Estonia. For more information, interested parties can attend KIK’s information days or review the relevant materials on their website. https://www.kik.ee/et/toetatavad-tegevused/jaatmetekke-ja-pakendi-vahendamine

Estonian deep-tech startups can now apply for a grant of up to €50,000 to implement their business development projects. The grant call, managed by the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency (EIS), is open from March 17 to April 14, 2025. The goal of the grant is to support the development of high-tech products and services and their expansion into international markets. Who is eligible for the grant? The grant is available to micro and small enterprises registered in Estonia that have been operating for up to five years. The applicant must be a deep-tech startup working in fields such as advanced materials, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, autonomous vehicles, robotics, photonics, microelectronics, nanotechnology, quantum computing, medical and neurotechnology, or space technology. The company must have at least two full-time employees. What can the grant be used for? The grant can be used for various activities, including: - Testing product, service, or technology suitability for international markets and gathering feedback from potential customers. - Conducting demand validation studies or initial market research among potential clients. - Test marketing in target markets. - Developing an internationalization strategy. - Analyzing international growth financing options. - Strengthening management and organizational development to support international growth and implementing sustainability principles. - Searching for international investors. - Conducting intellectual property rights and patent analysis. - Ensuring compliance with international regulations for product, service, or technology expansion. Application requirements and process The maximum grant amount is €50,000, with at least 25% of the total project cost required to be covered by the applicant.

The Environmental Investment Centre (KIK) has opened the 2025 Environmental Awareness Program grant application round, aimed at increasing public awareness of environmental protection and sustainable development. The deadline for submitting applications is April 14 at 17:00. Program Objectives and Eligible Activities The Environmental Awareness Program is designed to foster an understanding that humans are part of nature and that the sustainability of our economy and culture depends on nature. The program supports activities that promote sustainable environmental use, the relationship between nature and human society, natural processes (including climate change and adaptation), and biodiversity education. In 2025, funding can be applied for the following activities: Implementation of environmental education programs in environmental education centers Nationwide awareness campaigns Coordination of international environmental education programs Development of a nationwide network of environmental education centers Creation of TV and radio programs that enhance environmental awareness Publication of the nature magazine Eesti Loodus Eligible Applicants and Conditions Funding is available to non-profit organizations, foundations, environmental institutions, local governments, public legal entities, businesses, and self-employed individuals. Applicants for environmental education programs must be environmental education centers that meet the criteria outlined in the Environmental Education and Awareness Action Plan. Application Process and Deadlines The deadline for submitting applications is April 14 at 17:00. Applications must be submitted via KIK's e-support system. An informational session was held on March 19, and a recording of the session is available on KIK’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijl9CP55hEw. The presentation can be accessed on KIK’s website: https://kik.ee/sites/default/files/keskkonnateadlikkuse_infopaev_19032025.pdf. Comments and Feedback The Estonian Environmental Education Association (EKHÜ) has previously emphasized the importance of the Environmental Awareness Program, stating that it helps shape an understanding of the relationship between humans and nature while supporting sustainable development principles. Representatives from the Ministry of the Environment have also highlighted the significance of the program, noting that it plays a crucial role in raising public awareness about environmental protection and sustainable development. Conclusion The Environmental Awareness Program grant offers an excellent opportunity for organizations and businesses to contribute to increasing environmental awareness in Estonia. The deadline for submitting applications is April 14 at 17:00, so interested parties are encouraged to prepare and submit their applications in a timely manner.

The Estonian government is developing a new digital export portal that will make it easier for businesses to expand into foreign markets and find export opportunities. The new platform will bring together key data and contacts in one place, making the export process faster and more efficient for companies. Goal to Double Exports According to Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, the goal is to "double Estonia's exports over the next ten years." He emphasized that the more Estonian businesses sell their products and services in different countries, the better it is for the nation and society as a whole. "Therefore, we need to make the state support system for businesses more efficient through digital solutions and do everything we can to maintain long-term economic growth," said Tsahkna. The export portal is part of a broader national strategy focused on supporting entrepreneurship and increasing exports. The portal will provide businesses with consolidated access to market information, networks, and export opportunities while reducing bureaucratic burdens. A Valuable Tool for Businesses Sigrid Harjo, a board member of the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency (EIS), stated that "this is an important step in increasing the international competitiveness of our companies." According to her, the export portal will allow businesses to find necessary contacts and market information more quickly and conveniently. The Director General of the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mait Palts, also highlighted the portal’s practical benefits: "It will help reduce bureaucracy and simplify the process for businesses to enter foreign markets." A Digital Solution to Support Economic Growth The development of the new export portal is part of a broader digitalization effort that will help businesses operate more efficiently. While the exact launch date is not yet known, developers are confident that it will become an essential support tool for Estonian exporters. In the future, the portal’s functionality will be continuously improved to better meet the needs of businesses and contribute to Estonia’s export growth.

The Estonian government has launched a large-scale investment support measure to enhance companies' competitiveness, export capacity, and added value growth. The support is available for businesses planning a capital investment of at least €100 million, creating at least 30 new jobs as a result. The application period for the support started on March 10, 2025, at 12:00 PM and will run until August 11, 2025, at 4:00 PM. The deadline for submitting documents required for pre-consultation is July 11, 2025. The total budget for the measure over four years is €160 million, with support covering 10% of the project cost in Harju County and 15% in other regions, or a maximum of €20 million per project. Alan Adojaan, CEO of Easy.ee, has commented: "This is a new measure specifically designed for large enterprises to acquire tangible and intangible assets and construct buildings, providing a significant boost for business growth." The primary goal of the support is to attract large-scale investments to Estonia by offering a flexible and quickly applicable measure, similar to those available in other countries. Given the current geopolitical situation, it is crucial to make additional efforts to position Estonia as an attractive destination for investors. The support is available to businesses registered in the Estonian Business Register, where the public sector’s ownership does not exceed 49%. Eligible expenses must total at least €100 million, and the investment must improve the applicant’s competitiveness, export capability, and added value. To apply for the support, companies must submit an application to the Enterprise and Innovation Foundation (EIS) and undergo a pre-consultation process. It is essential to ensure the accuracy of the submitted data and to provide all required documents on time. The maximum support amount is €20 million, and businesses must cover at least 85% of the project cost with their own financing. According to EIS, the large-scale investment support measure is a crucial step in developing Estonia’s economy, allowing businesses to make significant investments and create new jobs. This initiative also strengthens Estonia’s position internationally as an attractive destination for major investors. Businesses interested in applying for the support should review the conditions on the EIS website and contact EIS specialists for additional information and guidance. It is essential to start preparations early to ensure a successful application and maximize the chances of receiving support. In conclusion, the large-scale investment support provides companies with a unique opportunity to make substantial investments that boost their competitiveness, enhance export capabilities, and create new jobs, ultimately contributing to the overall economic development of Estonia. Detailed description of the measure and application: https://eis.ee/toetused/suurinvesteeringute-toetus

Funding for R&D Employee Salaries Available Until March 18 Estonian companies can apply for funding to cover the labor costs of research and development (R&D) employees until March 18. The goal is to enhance productivity in Estonian businesses by maintaining existing R&D jobs and creating new ones. The funding covers 50% of the income tax calculated on the R&D employee’s salary for the second half of 2024. “It’s easy to apply since the funding is calculated based on data from the Estonian Tax and Customs Board. The application process takes about 15 minutes, and there are no reporting requirements after receiving the support,” explained Monica Hankov, Head of Grants at EIS. Companies have been able to apply for this funding since the first application round opened last summer. At that time, EIS helped more than 40 businesses across Estonia cover R&D employee costs. The supported industries included industrial design, building design, food production, and pharmaceutical development. According to Statistics Estonia, there were approximately 470 companies in Estonia engaged in R&D activities in 2023, employing R&D professionals. The private sector is the main driver of employment growth in this field. In 2015, there were 1,700 R&D employees in the private sector, whereas by 2023, this number had exceeded 4,500. However, the number of R&D employees per 1,000 inhabitants in Estonia remains less than half of the figures seen in Finland or Sweden. Compared to last year’s funding round, the conditions have become even more favorable. In January, Minister of Economic Affairs and Industry Erkki Keldo signed amendments increasing the funding rate from 25% to 50%. Eligible applicants include companies registered in Estonia with at least one R&D employee for whom income tax is paid in Estonia. The employee can be a scientist or engineer with a degree in the field, engaged in fundamental or applied research, experimental development, or innovation to create new knowledge, products, processes, methods, or systems. Additionally, technicians with professional qualifications working under the supervision of a scientist or engineer in R&D activities are also eligible. The classification of R&D employees is based on their actual work activities rather than job titles. If an employee performs both R&D and non-R&D tasks, only the portion related to R&D is considered when calculating the funding. This is a call-based grant, meaning applications are accepted throughout the open period from February 17 at 9:00 AM until March 18 at 4:00 PM. The total budget for the application round is €3 million, funded by the state budget. For a list of companies that have received R&D employee funding and more information, visit: https://​eas.​ee/​toetused/​teadus-​​ja-​are​ndus​toot​aja-​toetus/