Starting and running a business
What are the Barents Secretariat and Interreg Aurora, and who can apply?
Last updated: 8 October 2026
Short answer
Both support cross-border cooperation. The Barents Secretariat’s business programme is for joint projects with partners in Sweden or Finland, open to businesses, organisations and public bodies in northern Norway. Interreg Aurora is the EU programme for larger cooperation projects in northern Norway, northern Sweden, northern Finland and Sápmi. See Funding.
In more detail
The Barents Secretariat’s business programme requires at least 30% own funding, and the deadlines are 1 February, 1 April, 1 June, 1 September and 1 November. Interreg Aurora can cover up to 50% of the Norwegian costs, and the Barents Secretariat can co-fund the Norwegian part. Last checked 25 September 2026.