A growing number of entrepreneurs are recognising the potential of the Croatian market — not only in tourism, but also in services, technology, manufacturing, logistics, and the green transition. As a European Union member state, Croatia offers a broad range of financial support mechanisms for businesses, including those based abroad. With CroBiz, you can navigate these opportunities effectively.
Where to Find Funding for Business Development in Croatia?
🔹 EU Funds and Programmes — the primary source of financing for companies operating in Croatia. Businesses can apply for support through:
- Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund,
- Central EU programmes such as Horizon Europe, LIFE, Digital Europe, and the Single Market Programme,
- Initiatives such as InvestEU and the European Innovation Council (EIC), supporting innovative projects with high growth potential.
EU funds are an area where we have extensive experience. We have been successfully resolving the most demanding client challenges since 2007. Through an individual approach and full commitment to every project, we have become one of the leading advisory firms in the region — supporting SMEs in their development and EU-funded expansion into the Croatian market.
🔹 European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
By the end of 2024, the EBRD had financed over 260 projects in Croatia with a combined value of nearly €5 billion, 70% of which went to the private sector. In 2024 alone, 250 public tenders worth €2.2 billion were conducted — open to foreign companies as well. CroBiz assists with the preparation of applications and bids, enabling foreign entrepreneurs to enter this market successfully.
🔹 HAMAG-BICRO — Croatia’s agency for supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. It offers:
- non-repayable start-up grants,
- micro-loans on preferential terms,
- credit guarantees to facilitate bank financing.
🔹 Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development (HBOR) — a state financial institution offering investment loans, export financing, environmental loans, and support for innovative projects.
🔹 Local and Regional Programmes — local governments in Zagreb, Rijeka, Split, and other regions operate their own business development programmes, including support for start-ups, technology companies, green businesses, and those operating in rural areas.
What Requirements Must Be Met to Access Financing in Croatia?
To apply successfully for financial support in Croatia, businesses must meet certain requirements which — depending on the programme — may vary. The most common criteria include:
- operating or planning to operate a business in Croatia,
- preparing a complete application package (business plan, budget breakdown, market analysis),
- demonstrating the project’s impact on the local economy (e.g. job creation, innovation, exports, green transition),
- providing own contribution — required in many EU programmes and preferential loan schemes,
- ensuring the project aligns with the objectives of the programme applied to (innovation, sustainability, digital transformation, internationalisation).
CroBiz – Your Partner for Business in Croatia
CroBiz offers professional advisory services for entrepreneurs planning to enter the Croatian market or already operating there. We provide comprehensive support across:
- analysis of available funding sources and identification of the most advantageous options,
- preparation of application documentation (applications, business plans, budget breakdowns),
- formalities related to business registration in Croatia,
- representation before funding institutions and government authorities,
- project implementation support and grant accounting.
With CroBiz, you gain access to the full range of available funding instruments and comprehensive expert support at every stage of your business development.
If you would like to find out how to secure financing and grow your business in Croatia — get in touch with us.