Microfinansing of young innovaters

Important results from the project

The primary goal of increasing the number of innovation projects among young ( 18-30 years) through micro-financing (up to 40 thousand ) supplemented with counseling succeeded. Within the pilot project a total of 276 innovation projects totaling 4.64 million (average about 17 thousand) were granted during 2012-2013. The secondary goal of creating a better collaboration between Almi and Drivhuset succeeded as well. Drivhuset learned what innovation is, according to the Oslo Manual and therefore learned in which cases Drivhuset shall convey customers to Almi innovation counselling

Expected long term effects

The results and impact of the innovative projects that received micro-finance is too early to evaluate and lies outside this project´s scope. The secondary goal of creating a better collaboration between Almi and Drivhuset succeeded. For example, joint information sessions is now conducted at universities.

Approach and implementation

The program was based on Almi´s ordinary innovation counselling that define innovation in accordance with the Oslo Manual . The share of innovative projects that came from Drivhuset varied between locations and over time . The well-established Drivhuset created a much greater inflow to Almi than the startups . During the period , there was some staff turnover in both Drivhuset and Almi which affected the inflow negatively. The conclusion is that well-established organizations with good personal relations have a much higher efficiency than fledgling organizations.