Apply for funding
These are the schemes businesses in Vadsø can apply to for grants, loans or guarantees — in Vadsø and in Finnmark. You apply directly to whoever manages the scheme.
Start with a conversation
Not sure what fits? These organisations help businesses in Vadsø find the right scheme and write the application — the first step is often the most important.
- Linken Næringshage — Guidance for entrepreneurs and businesses, and help with funding and applications.
- Hermetikken Kulturnæringshage — The same for the cultural and creative industries.
- Innovation Norway Arctic — Has an office in Vadsø, at W. Andersens gate 4.
What you get without applying
All of Finnmark is in the Action Zone. Businesses pay no employer’s National Insurance contributions and have reduced electricity tax, and employees pay less tax and can have part of their student loan written off. Read more about the Action Zone →
In Vadsø
- Vadsø MunicipalityVadsø Municipality business fund (næringsfond)Grants for new businesses and growth: feasibility studies, idea development, skills and collaboration. Not for physical investments, and the project should normally not have started before you apply.
- Who can apply
- Businesses and entrepreneurs with an address in Vadsø
- Amount
- Up to 80% of costs, max NOK 100,000 (2020 statutes)
- Deadline
- Ongoing
In Finnmark
- Innovation NorwayDevelopment grant for FinnmarkBusiness development and investment — strategy, training, new production methods, increased capacity or new markets.
- Who can apply
- Small and medium-sized businesses in Finnmark (except Alta and Hammerfest)
- Deadline
- Ongoing
- Finnmark County CouncilFinnmarksfondet (the Finnmark Fund)Business development and making the region an attractive place to live. For joint projects — as a rule, individual businesses cannot apply on their own.
- Who can apply
- Municipalities, business incubators, business associations, clusters and business networks
- Amount
- Pre-project up to NOK 400,000, main project up to NOK 1.5 million (max 50%)
- Deadline
- Ongoing
- Finnmark County CouncilKulturnæringsfondet Finnmark (the Finnmark creative industries fund)Loans for the creative and cultural industries: microloans, liquidity loans, investment loans and loans for cultural infrastructure.
- Who can apply
- Sole proprietorships, limited companies (AS) and cooperatives in the creative and cultural industries
- Amount
- From NOK 150,000 (microloan) to NOK 1 million (investment loan)
- Deadline
- Ongoing
- Finnmark County CouncilSirkulære Finnmark (Circular Finnmark) – pre-project fundingPre-projects on the circular economy, where waste and residual raw materials from one business become a resource for another.
- Who can apply
- At least two partners together
- Amount
- Up to NOK 400,000 per pre-project
- Deadline
- Ongoing, as long as there is money left in 2026
- Finnmark County CouncilKystutviklingsfondet (the coastal development fund)Grants for coastal infrastructure, such as quays in rural areas.
- Deadline
- Once a year — the 2026 deadline was 1 April
- Finnmark County Council and NIBIOFree help with local food and tourismUp to 20 hours of free guidance to develop food products and food experiences.
- Who can apply
- Food and tourism businesses with no more than 10 employees
- Deadline
- Ongoing
There are more schemes than the ones we list here, including national schemes and support for cross-border cooperation. Get in touch and we will help you further.
What about SpareBank 1?
SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge’s Samfunnsløftet and Sparebankstiftelsen do not give money to businesses or commercial projects. They support non-profit initiatives — for example meeting places, sport and culture. A joint project run by an association may qualify. See SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge →
Last checked 25 September 2026. Amounts and deadlines change — always check with whoever manages the scheme. Know of a scheme we are missing? Let us know.