Uzbekistan launches Call for Business Ideas to Boost Entrepreneurship in Pilot Communities

Deadline: 28-Feb-2026

The UNDP Small Business Grants Program provides USD 5,000–10,000 to support entrepreneurship and local economic development in Yangiabad (Tashkent region) and Chorkesar (Namangan region).

The grant prioritizes women-led and inclusive business projects that create jobs, meet local demand, and deliver strong social and economic impact in pilot communities.

Overview

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting applications for a competitive small business grant program aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship, employment, and local economic development in selected pilot communities.

The program supports early-stage and growing businesses that respond directly to local market needs, create jobs, and contribute to inclusive economic growth. Particular emphasis is placed on women-led enterprises and projects benefiting youth and people with disabilities.

Pilot Locations Covered

Funding is available only for projects implemented in the following pilot communities:

Yangiabad, Tashkent region
Chorkesar, Namangan region

Applicants must operate and implement their business projects within these designated areas.

Funding Amount and Support

Grant Size

USD 5,000 to USD 10,000 per project
Larger-scale, high social impact projects may also be considered

What the Funding Can Be Used For

Grant financing may cover:

Equipment and machinery
Tools and production resources
Inputs required to launch or expand business operations
Assets directly linked to project implementation

Funding is intended to support practical, revenue-generating business activities, not general operating costs.

Priority Business Areas

UNDP prioritizes projects that strengthen local value chains and respond to community demand.

Eligible Project Types

Production of goods demanded by the local population
Provision of locally needed services
Agribusiness and agricultural product processing
Artisanal, creative, and innovative enterprises
Businesses that increase employment opportunities for:
- Women
- Youth
- People with disabilities

Projects should demonstrate clear economic viability and measurable community benefits.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

Be a registered entrepreneur or company
Operate in Yangiabad or Chorkesar
Implement the proposed project in one of the pilot cities
Submit a complete application package, including a business project description
Provide co-financing in kind or cash

Women-led businesses are strongly encouraged to apply.

Co-Financing Requirement

Applicants must contribute to the project through one or more of the following:

Labor or staff time
Equipment or tools
Financial resources
Raw materials or inputs
Other measurable contributions

This requirement demonstrates commitment and project sustainability.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following businesses are not eligible for funding:

Retail trade businesses
Real estate rental activities
Companies undergoing liquidation or bankruptcy
Projects not aligned with the program’s priority areas

Applications that do not meet eligibility rules will not be considered.

How the Grant Program Works

Step-by-Step Process

Develop a business project aligned with UNDP priority areas and local needs.
Ensure your business is legally registered and operates in a pilot city.
Prepare a clear business project description, including objectives, activities, and expected impact.
Identify and document your co-financing contributions.
Complete and submit the official UNDP application form with all required documents.
Await evaluation and selection based on impact, feasibility, and inclusiveness.

Only complete applications are reviewed.

Why This Grant Matters

The UNDP Small Business Grants Program supports inclusive local development by empowering entrepreneurs to grow sustainable businesses in underserved communities.

Program Impact

Strengthens local economies and value chains
Creates jobs for vulnerable and underrepresented groups
Encourages women’s economic participation
Supports innovation and community-driven solutions
Helps small businesses scale with targeted investment

By focusing on pilot communities, the program ensures funding reaches areas where it can deliver the greatest social and economic return.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying with an ineligible business type, such as retail trade
Failing to clearly explain local demand for the product or service
Not documenting co-financing contributions
Submitting incomplete application documents
Proposing activities outside the pilot locations

Clear alignment with eligibility and priorities is critical for success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the UNDP Small Business Grants Program?

It is a funding initiative that supports small businesses and entrepreneurs to boost local economic development in selected pilot communities.

How much funding can applicants receive?

Successful applicants can receive USD 5,000 to USD 10,000, with larger high-impact projects also considered.

Where must projects be implemented?

Projects must be implemented in Yangiabad (Tashkent region) or Chorkesar (Namangan region).

Who can apply?

Registered entrepreneurs and companies operating in the pilot cities.

Is co-financing mandatory?

Yes. Applicants must provide co-financing in cash or in kind, such as labor, equipment, or materials.

Are women-led businesses prioritized?

Yes. Women-led initiatives are strongly encouraged.

Which businesses are not eligible?

Retail trade, real estate rental, and businesses under liquidation or bankruptcy are not eligible.

Conclusion

The UNDP Small Business Grants Program offers targeted financial support to entrepreneurs driving inclusive growth and job creation in Yangiabad and Chorkesar.

By prioritizing women-led, innovative, and community-focused projects, the program helps small businesses expand sustainably while strengthening local economies and improving livelihoods.

For more information, visit UNDP.