ESF+ funding opportunity for inclusive entrepreneurship grants

A call for proposals has launched for projects promoting inclusive entrepreneurship in the EU. Apply for an ESF+ action grant by 2 September 2026.

The call comes under the Employment and Social Innovation strand (EaSI) of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). It aims to promote inclusive entrepreneurship in the EU by supporting incubation and financing models for aspiring entrepreneurs from under-represented groups.

Objectives of the Call

The call aims to promote inclusive entrepreneurship in the EU by supporting incubation and financing models for aspiring entrepreneurs from under-represented groups.

Funded actions are expected to contribute to:

• increasing participation of under-represented groups in entrepreneurship;
• improving access to incubation services and financing opportunities;
• strengthening entrepreneurial skills and business sustainability;
• fostering cooperation between incubators, financial actors and social inclusion stakeholders;
• developing innovative and transferable practices across Member States.

Specific priorities

Projects should:

• develop incubation approaches tailored to vulnerable target groups;
• improve access to finance through cooperation with microfinance and social investment actors;
• strengthen entrepreneurial capacities and business readiness;
• encourage collaboration between incubators, social economy organisations, employment services and innovation ecosystems;
• generate tools and practices that can be replicated at EU level.

Budget

Total indicative budget: €1,500,000.

Deadline: 2 September 2026 – 17:00 Brussels time.

More information European Social Fund (ESF).