Apply for funding

These are the schemes businesses in Vadsø can apply to for grants, loans or guarantees — in Vadsø, in Finnmark and nationally. 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

National schemes

Innovation NorwayRegional development funds (regionale distriktsmidler)Start-up grants, business development grants, investment grants and risk loans for businesses in rural regions. Vadsø is within the eligible area.
Deadline
Ongoing
Innovation NorwayStart-up grants 1 and 2 (oppstartstilskudd)For young, innovative companies that want to test the market and develop their idea further.
Who can apply
Limited companies (AS) less than five years old
Amount
Start-up grant 1: max NOK 150,000. Start-up grant 2: up to NOK 1 million (max 50%)
Deadline
Ongoing
Innovation NorwayLoans and guaranteesLow-risk loans when your bank does not cover all of your needs, and guarantees as security towards your own bank.
Amount
Low-risk loans up to 50% of the capital requirement
Deadline
Ongoing
The Research Council of Norway and the Norwegian Tax AdministrationSkatteFUNNA tax deduction for research and development — for example a new product, a new service or a new way of producing something.
Amount
19% of the costs as a deduction from your tax
Deadline
Ongoing
NAVWage subsidy (lønnstilskudd)A contribution towards wages when you hire someone who needs a way into working life — temporary or permanent.
Deadline
Ongoing
EnovaEnergy and climate measuresSupport for businesses that cut their energy use and emissions.
Deadline
Varies between programmes
The Sámi Parliament (Sametinget)Grants for duodjiOperations, investment, start-up and marketing for practitioners of duodji (Sámi handicraft). Applies across the whole country.
Deadline
See the Sámi Parliament’s website

Cross-border cooperation

For projects with partners in Sweden or Finland.

The Norwegian Barents SecretariatThe Business Programme (Næringsprogrammet)Collaborative business development projects with partners in Sweden or Finland. Not for day-to-day operations.
Who can apply
Businesses, organisations and public bodies in Northern Norway
Amount
At least 30% own funding
Deadline
1 February, 1 April, 1 June, 1 September and 1 November
The EU programme for Northern Norway, Northern Sweden, Northern Finland and SápmiInterreg AuroraLarger cross-border cooperation projects. The Norwegian Barents Secretariat can co-fund the Norwegian part.
Amount
Max 50% of the Norwegian costs
Deadline
Calls for applications several times a year

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.