Global Gateway Early-Stage Investment Mechanism
EU Investment Mechanism for early-stage financing to support start-ups and small businesses within the framework of the Global Gateway strategy. Applications are possible until 16.03.2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Provision of equity and quasi-equity for innovative, growth-oriented start-ups and small enterprises in EU partner countries within the framework of the Global Gateway initiative.
Eligible expenses
- Equity and quasi-equity investments
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Founders
Funding requirements
- Legal entity or natural person with business headquarters in an EU partner country
- Submission of a completed Concept Note and Full Application Forms
- Proof of a viable business plan
Documents required for application
- Application Form Concept Note
- Application Form Full Application
- Budget Plan (Annex B)
- Logical Framework (Annex C)
- Identification Form (Annex D)
- Standard Grant Contract (Annex G)
- Self-Evaluation Questionnaire (Annex L)
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the project
- Scalability of the business model
- Contribution to sustainable development in partner countries
Description
The Global Gateway Early-Stage Investment Mechanism provides an EU-funded grant for early-stage financing of innovative start-ups and small enterprises. Within the Global Gateway strategy, equity and quasi-equity investments are awarded in the EU's partner countries to scale growth-oriented business models. Projects from the fields of corporate finance, business creation, research & innovation, and consulting are supported. The program aims to promote sustainable development and maximize the innovation content as well as the scalability of selected initiatives. Interested companies can submit their application documents by 16 March 2026 at 12:00 noon (CET).
Eligible applicants are legal entities and natural persons with a business presence in an EU partner country who submit a plausible business plan and complete the Concept Note as well as the Full Application Form. The evaluation focuses primarily on the level of innovation, growth prospects, and contribution to sustainable development in the partner countries. Eligible expenses include exclusively equity and quasi-equity investments. For the application, in addition to the Concept Note and Full Application forms, a budget plan (Annex B), logical framework (Annex C), and the standard grant contract template (Annex G) must be submitted. This structured approach enables a transparent and efficient selection of promising projects.
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