Instructions and forms for applying for funding
Business Finland’s funding is intended for research and product development, as well as for companies’ business development and international growth needs.
This page contains instructions on how to apply for funding and the forms to be appended to applications.
How to apply for funding
1
Before you apply
Plan your project, define your goals, and ensure that your company’s own financing is adequate. See also the funding criteria.
Start by using the My Business Finland service, where you will receive a recommendation for an appropriate service. The service is under development and currently suitable for startup and SME companies.
If you are from a large company, research organization, or public organization, contact our customer service before applying for funding.
If you are applying for de minimis funding (e.g. Market Explorer, Tempo), check your company's de minimis quota.
2
Apply for funding
Fill out and submit your application in the online service.
Please note the changes related to applying for funding. As of 18.3.2025, we will be utilizing Suomi.fi authorizations for applying for funding. This change concerns companies and only certain funding services. Before proceeding with the application, please check if you have the right to act on behalf of the company or if you need a Suomi.fi authorization to apply for funding. Read more
You can also follow the processing of your application in the online service. Business Finland will evaluate your application and send you a written notification of its decision. You can find the decision in the online service.
WHEN YOU RECEIVE A POSITIVE FUNDING DECISION
3
Approve the funding decision
Review the decision, read the terms and conditions, and approve the decision in the online service.
4
Arrange project monitoring and accounting
Arrange project accounting according to the funding terms and conditions.
5
Implement the project and report it
Report the implementation and the costs. Notify Business Finland of any changes.
What information do I need to provide when applying for funding?
Funding granted by Business Finland is discretionary. When making funding decisions, we evaluate both the applicant company or organization and the project.
The company’s eligibility for funding is evaluated when making the funding decision. When submitting your application, you should always provide the company information even if your company has previously funded projects.
Prepare to answer the questions below and review the mandatory appendices to the application. These questions are asked in the online service, when you apply for funding.
Business Finland may request further details if the information provided in the funding application is not sufficient to make the funding decision.
What are the conditions and criteria for funding?
Business Finland's funding terms and conditions apply to all funding granted by Business Finland. In the terms and conditions, you can see what costs Business Finland can finance, how you should monitor the project costs, and how you should report the progress of the project.
Different funding services have different criteria, concerning the uses of the funding and for whom the funding is suitable, etc. You can find the application criteria for each funding service on the page of each funding service.
Funding calls have call-specific criteria. Some of the funding calls are periodic, some are continuous.
