Call for Expression of Interest – Funding Scheme under Invest4Change project
Call for Expression of Interest: “Invest for Change” – “I4C” project
Reference number: IPAIII/2025/483805
Funded by the European Union
Contracting Authority of Sub-Granting Scheme: Partners Albania for Change and Development
The deadline for the submission of applications is May 4th, 2026, at 16.00 local hrs.
Partners Albania for Change and Development announces the Open Call for Expression of Interest within the sub-granting scheme of the project “Invest for Change- “I4C”, a four-year (2025 -2029) EU funded project that aims to strengthen economic and social development by fostering financial and social inclusion; promoting impact investment; promoting green and digital transition and investing in social enterprises.
The Call aims to identify and support ambitious enterprises demonstrating strong potential for growth, scalability, and sustainability. It targets Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that are committed to co-investing in the expansion and development of their business operations, while generating measurable social and/or environmental impact.
Priority will be given to enterprises whose activities contribute to job creation and economic inclusion of vulnerable and underrepresented groups, including youth, women, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized populations. In addition, the initiative seeks to support enterprises that integrate environmentally responsible practices and innovative solutions, contributing to environmental protection and the promotion of sustainable and green business models.
Who can apply:
Partners Albania invites all Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises [1] (MSMEs) operating in Albania that fulfill all the eligibility criteria defined in the Application Guideline.
The total budget allocated for the sub-granting scheme of the I4C project is 320,000 EUR.
Fund for the 1st CALL is 160,000 EUR
The Number of financed grants, size of the sub-granting and duration of the projects:
| Sub-grants amount range | Duration of the projects | Max no. of projects to be supported |
| Minimum amount:
EUR 15,000 Maximum amount: EUR 20,000 |
9 months – 12 months |
Up to eight (8) business ideas |
The total grant amount from sub-granting must not exceed 80% of the total budget.
Co-funding: The applicant must be able to co-finance at least 20% the proposed business investment under this initiative. The co-financing must be provided exclusively from alternative sources: (e.g., own funds, private investment, loans, other sources). The sources of co-financing shall be clearly identified and specified in the application form, including a clear indication of the specific budget lines to be covered and the timeline of the availability of such funds.
The co-financed amount must be in cash.
Application language: EoI applications must be prepared and submitted in the English language, in accordance with the published application forms.
Phases of the 1st Call:
| Stage 1 | EOI / Open Call | Applicants submitt the EoI Application Form. |
| Stage 2 | Full Proposal | Shortlisted applicants of Stage 1 will be invited to submitt the full project-proposal application package and supporting documents. |
| Stage 3 | Pitching | Only short-listed from the 2nd Phase will participate in the Pitching event. |
| Stage 4 | Pre awarding verification | Site visits to the business operation facilities and meetings with the enterprise management team, for budget clarification and negotiation purposes. |
| Stage 5 | Contract signing | The grant allocation will be conditioned by the successful completion of all stages. |
Application procedures:
Applicants should express their interest by completing and submitting the EoI Application Form by May 4th, 2026, at 16.00.
Only the EoI Application Form (provided template) is required at this stage.
Supporting documents will be required to be submitted only by the short-listed applicants.
Applications must be submitted online ONLY through the Dua Partner Invest platform. All the necessary steps, and other supporting documents required are listed in the Application Guideline Document.
Questions may be sent by email within April 17th, 2026, to applications@partnersalbania.org. Questions and answers will be published at Partners Albania website and DPI Platform Website no later than April 23, 2026.
Info-sessions Calendar:
Partners Albania will organize info sessions on dates as follows for potential applicants to inform them about the Call and to provide guidance on developing successful applications:
April 15, 2026 (11:00 – 13:00 hrs.) – Shkodra, Hotel “Rozafa”; Lagja “Vasil Shanto”, Rruga Teuta
April 17th, 2026 (10:00 – 12:00 hrs) – Vlora, Hotel Regina Garden; Rruga “Camëria”, pranë Universitetit “Ismail Qemali”,
April 21st, 2026 (10:00 – 12:00 hrs) – This informative session will be online, at the following link. Please register in advance to participate in this session.
April 22nd, 2026 (9:00 – 11:00 hrs) – Tirana, Iliria Boutique Hotel, Rruga E Elbasanit,
Please read and download the Guidelines with instructions for this call.
[1] MSME classification (in accordance with the Law on SMEs in Albania) is based on annual turnover as follows: micro enterprises with annual turnover up to ALL 10 million, small enterprises with annual turnover up to ALL 50 million, and medium enterprises with annual turnover up to ALL 250 million.
| Guidelines for Applicants (for information) | Download |
| Application Form (to be filled by applicant) | Download |
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