Grants & Programs
What are the benefits?
- Support initiatives provided by four government agencies and a number of non-state bodies
- Benefits range from access to low-cost capital to direct monetary grants or asset gifts
- Practically every economic sector included
- Application procedure is simple (but not easy)
In addition to specific tax breaks for IT companies and those enterprises operating in Free Zones, there are a couple of government bodies dedicated with assisting entrepreneurs in other areas of the economy.
This function is shared by a couple of government agencies, each of which assists entrepreneurs within their competence.
The list of programs provided here is extensive. We can assist you in selecting the best one for your company AND completing the application procedure.
Please keep in mind that each project has unique terms and conditions that cannot be included in the list below; the information provided below is merely a basic sketch.
Programs by Enterprise in Georgia
- Aid for micro and small businesses – A competition-based program that accepts applications and awards winners at particular times. Grants of up to 30,000 GEL are available (Could be 40,000 GEL if the project is undertaken in specific regions of Georgia). 90% of the funding should be used for capital expenditures. ** UPDATE: As of currently, this program is exclusively available to Georgian nationals.
- Universal Component –EITHER 5% bank loan interest financing and assistance with fundraising by guaranteeing 60% of collateral required for loan, OR 10%-20% loan amount rebate. The program is not based on competition and is constantly open, however it is only available for businesses in certain industries (Mostly manufacturing, hospitality, tourism services). More details here (Unfortunately list of economic activities is in Georgian only)
- Mortgage subsidy when acquiring a new house – 6%-8% bank loan interest financing for families with one or more children. More information is available here
- Credit guarantee mechanism – Depending on the NACE classification, this scheme is applicable to the majority of business industries. The state guarantees 80% of the collateral required for a new loan. 90% of the loan should be utilized for capital expenditure OR for operational expenditures in trading enterprises (not for working capital)
- Tourism development – A co-financing component that covers a large portion of the bank loan interest cost and provides 60% collateral backing for the bank loan. International brand licensing expenses for hotels might be entirely refunded up to 600,000 GEL.
- Film in Georgia – A cash refund of 20% on qualifying filming expenditures incurred in Georgia. More information may be found here
- Export assistance – Grants of up to 20,000 GEL to finance product licensing, quality system implementation, branding, or entry into the international chain in target countries. Specific economic sectors are supported (apparel and accessories including jewelry; toys; veterinary food, food additives and medicines; packaging materials, furniture). The international chain entry component is available to a broader range of sectors. More information here
Programs by Ministry of Economy of Georgia
Energy, Logistics & Distribution, Advanced Manufacturing, Hospitality & Real Estate, Electronics, Automotive Manufacturing, and Business Process Outsourcing are among the industries targeted. Cash reimbursements for FDI and transfer of state property (including land and buildings) at a symbolic 1 GEL price if negotiated investment commitments are met.
Programs by Rural Development Agency
- Preferential Agrocredit – Primary production, processing, and storage-realization processes are aided by the provision of inexpensive and readily available monetary resources.
- Agroinsurance Program – Promotes the establishment of an agricultural insurance market in order to decrease risk and retain income.
- Program Plant the Future – Encourages the effective use of Georgian agricultural land plots through the establishment of perennial cultures, followed by the substitution of imported products with local products and a boost in exporting potential.
- Agro Co-financing – Supports the establishment of new processing and storage facilities in municipalities, as well as the restoration of idle enterprises.
- Georgian Tea Plantation Rehabilitation Program – Encourages the expansion of local tea production.
- Agricultural Machinery co-financing Program – Increase agricultural machinery availability by co-financing its purchase.
- Program of Technical Assistance – Additional technical aid in directions provided by the projects/programs implemented/to be implemented by the Agency.
- Dairy Modernization and Market Access (DiMMA) – The program’s goal is to improve small dairy farmers’ sustainability and flexibility.
- Program for Support of Agricultural Production – Goal of this program is to boost primary production of annual and perennial crops.
- Improving Rural Development in Georgia – Through co-financing, the initiative strives to boost rural economic and environmental activities.
- Facilitating Programmes for Development of Agricultural Cooperatives – Aimed at (1) Hazelnut production (2) Use of pastures in highland regions (3) Viticulture (4) Dairy production (5) International Standards and Branding implementation (6) Beekeeping
*NOTE: The list of programs is CONSTANTLY being updated; please check current projects here
Programs by Georgian Innovation and Technology agency (GITA)
The organization offers a variety of grants; a comprehensive list of active projects is available here. These initiatives may be classified into three types:
- Prototyping grants – Up to 15,000 GEL for the preparation of a potential product/service prototype.
- Co-financing grants for startups – For the development and effective marketing of novel products/services. Up to 90% of the project costs, with a maximum of 150,000 GEL
- Co-financing grants for larger size enterprises – To assist in the growth of firms with internationalization potential – up to 50% of project costs, maximum of 650,000 GEL
Additional Resources
This website includes more non-State efforts in addition to the ones mentioned above (Such as EU, USAID financed etc.) Alas, it is only accessible in Georgian.
Please bear in mind that if none of the following possibilities give extra assistance to your firm, paying only 1% tax on your revenue is a significant benefit obtained by simply registering as an individual entrepreneur in Georgia.
If You Have Any Question,
Feel Free to Consult Us
Usually, we respond within 60 minutes during business hours