CENER 21, as the national partner of Balkan Green Foundation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is publishing a
public call for participation in the Balkan Green Ideas (BGI) 2026 program, a regional program that supports the development of innovative green business ideas and sustainable entrepreneurial initiatives in the Western Balkan countries.
Balkan Green Ideas aims to promote the development of green business models that contribute to
environmental protection, sustainable economic development and the strengthening of local communities through innovative solutions based on the responsible use of natural and local resources.
The program is implemented through national competitions in participating countries, after which three selected ideas from each country participate in the regional competition, which will be held from 3 to 5 November at ITP Prizren in Kosovo.
Who can apply?
BGI is targeting green ideas in the early stages of development (not older than 3 years and not having more than 10.000 EUR annual profit).
The following can apply to the public call:
- individuals developing a green business idea can apply for LOT 1;
- civil society organisations;
- small private enterprises.
Public institutions are not eligible to participate, including educational institutions, local government
units and other public institutions.
What kind of ideas are we looking for?
We are looking for innovative green ideas that:
- contribute to environmental protection;
- have a sustainable business model and potential for further development;
- offer an innovative approach to addressing local challenges;
- have a positive social impact;
- use local resources, knowledge, materials and involve the local community.
The submitted ideas should contribute to at least one of the following Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs): 7, 8, 11, 12 or 13.
Application categories
Applications are submitted in one of two categories:
LOT 1 – Green Idea Concept
It is intended for ideas that are in the initial stage of development or whose implementation has only just begun. Individuals can also apply in this category.
Note: Individuals can apply without a registered legal entity. However, in order to receive the grant, in case of winning a regional award, it is necessary to have a registered legal entity and an open bank account before signing the agreement.
LOT 2 – Advanced Green Idea
It is intended for ideas that have already started implementation and are in an early stage of development.
Only legal entities can apply in this category.
What does the process look like?
After the public call closes, all submitted applications will undergo administrative and expert evaluation.
The most successful applications will be invited to present their ideas before the national expert jury.
Three selected ideas from Bosnia and Herzegovina will represent our country at the regional Balkan Green Ideas competition, where they will have the opportunity to present their business ideas to an international jury and compete for regional awards.
The following will be awarded at the regional competition:
- 1 grant in the amount of USD 10,000 for the best idea in the Advanced Green Idea category;
- 2 grants in the amount of USD 5,000 for the two best ideas in the Green Idea Concept category.
In addition to financial support, regional winners will also receive mentoring support through an individual mentoring program that helps them further develop and improve their business ideas.
How to apply?
For the application, the following documentation must be submitted:
All required application documents are available for download by clicking on the document names above. The Applicant Guide – Filling in your Financial Snapshot & Budget is provided for guidance only and does not need to be submitted as part of the application.
The completed documentation must be submitted electronically to the following e-mail addresses:
with the subject: “Application for Balkan Green Ideas 2026”
Application deadline
📅 Application submission deadline: 1 October 2026
Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Additional information
In case of questions or the need for additional clarification, interested applicants may contact us via the e-mail addresses listed above.
We invite all individuals, entrepreneurs, civil society organisations and small enterprises developing sustainable and innovative solutions to take advantage of this opportunity, present their ideas and become part of the regional network of green innovators through the Balkan Green Ideas 2026 program.