OREANDA-NEWS. February 25, 2013. Nils Usakovs, Riga City Council Chairperson, and Maris Mancinskis, CEO at Swedbank Latvia, signed an agreement to continue the implementation of the grant programme “ATSPERIENS” (TAKEOFF) in 2013.

This year, the competition for new entrepreneurs will take place for the fifth year, and the total amount of grants under the programme for the year 2013 will be LVL 98,000. Also this year, the size of grant available per one business idea under the programme is up to LVL 8,000. New entrepreneurs are invited to apply for the programme till March 20.

„We are really glad that the Takeoff programme, with the support of the local government and Swedbank, has become one of the most popular support instruments for small- and medium-sized businesses in Riga. We invite all new entrepreneurs who have good ideas to seize this opportunity and apply in the competition. Probably, the anniversary year of the programme will be a successful start of your company’s development!" says Nils Usakovs, Riga City Mayor.

„The development of a creative and innovation-based business environment has always been one of Swedbank’s priorities; therefore, I am truly glad that already for the fifth consecutive year, in cooperation with the Riga City Council, we are going to provide support to small- and medium-sized businesses in Riga in the Takeoff grant programme. During these years it has become a takeoff platform for new businesses, and it provides not only the finance but also the knowledge and know-how. I would like to encourage new entrepreneurs to follow the example of already more than 80 entrepreneurs and to apply in the competition and to obtain a “takeoff” for their business ideas,” said Maris Mancinskis, CEO at Swedbank Latvia.

Already the 5th year of the Takeoff grant programme
This year, the Takeoff competition for new entrepreneurs will take place for the fifth year, also this year two rounds are planned, and the total amount of grants under the programme will be LVL 98,000. The size of a single grant under the programme is up to LVL 8,000 that can be used to cover the initial costs of setting up a business. In the 1st round of the programme 53% of the total amount will be made available in grants. New entrepreneurs are invited to apply for the programme till March 20, 15:00 hrs.

„The Takeoff programme truly measures up to its name, as thanks to it we were able to carry out our business idea.Takeoff is like a leap towards implementing one’s innovative business ideas, and I recommend making use of this opportunity to all the creative and forward-thinking people,” said Raivo Karro, representative from Riga Films, Takeoff winner in 2011.

The Takeoff grant programme was launched in 2009; this far 84 business ideas have received co-finance in the amount of LVL 400,000. This year, too, the Takeoff grant programme will offer not only financial support to the winners, but also new knowledge by organising free seminars on topics that are important in business and crucial for implementation of all good ideas.

Applying for TAKEOFF
According to the rules, eligible for the competition are individuals and businesses that have been registered in Riga for not more than two full years. The applications will be evaluated in accordance with per-existing evaluation criteria, with sustainability and originality of the business idea as key criteria. Priority business areas are: transport, tourism, manufacturing (in particular, biotechnologies, chemistry, pharmacy, electronics and electronic appliances, metal hardware), information and communication technologies, professional and scientific - technical services, education.) Entrepreneurs who get the highest score will be offered to sign an agreement on receiving co-finance. Under the programme, finance (of up to 75%) will be provided to cover new business’ expenditures related to the acquisition of particular hardware and licences, the payment for accounting and legal services, the development of websites, employee training, etc. The size of maximum grant available to one company is LVL 8,000.

Entrepreneurs are invited to apply in the Takeoff grant programme competition till March 20, 15:00 hrs. The applications are to be submitted to the Riga City Council City Development Department, Amatu iela 4, Lv-1050, Room 308. Information on seminars and further information on the grant programme is available on: www.atsperiens.lv, where under the section “Related documents” it is possible to download the Competition Rules and application forms.

Also, you can also follow all news on the Takeoff programme on Twitter account @Atsperiens.