Information in English

Entrepreneurship in Iceland

In this article we introduce a list of the main institutions that service entrepreneurs in Iceland. The list in not complete but gives a good overlook of the main actors.

Center for entrepreuners in Iceland - NMÍ – Nýsköpunarmiðstöð Íslands

Innovation Center Iceland is a leading R&D and business support institute in Iceland. Our mission is to increase innovation, productivity and competitiveness of Icelandic business by doing innovative technology research, diffusing knowledge and giving support to entrepreneurs and start-up companies.

Technology Research and Consulting
Diverse fields in research, such as nanotechnology, renewable energy and concrete rheology. Projects include applied research and testing, basic research in key areas, consultation and technology transfer.

Innovation and Entrepreneur Services
IMPRA at Innovation Center Iceland assists entrepreneurs in the start-up, growth and management of SMEs. IMPRA operates an Incubator Center which offers support and facilities to start-up companies working on innovative business ideas. IMPRA offers extensive internet information services, workshops and courses for SMEs and the general public and publishes books and manuals on management, marketing, and more. IMPRA also runs a Enterprise Europe Network office (EEN) to encourage cooperation between Icelandic and European companies.

Further information at www.nmi.is     

The Regional Office of Development

The Icelandic Regional Development Institute is an independent institution owned by the Icelandic state. The supreme authority of the Institute is held by the Minister of Industry.  

The Institute monitors and researches regional development in Iceland.  Its main function is to contribute to regional development through the implementation of government policy via the introduction of regional strategies. Its operations are aimed at strengthening settlements in rural areas through the support of viable, long-term projects with diverse economic bases. 

The Institute supports and strengthens local development by the provision of credit and other forms of financial support, with the aim of improving economic and living conditions particularly in those regions threatened by depopulation.

Industrial Regional Development Agencies

The Institute supports eight industrial regional development agencies in Iceland, one in each constituency. These include municipalities, federations of municipalities, trade unions, business concerns, and various other parties who are concerned about and wish to participate in the general development and innovation of the economy.

The Institute provides added financial support to projects conducted under the auspices of these agencies and which are concerned with development and innovation in regional areas.

The Institute also liaises with experts from industrial technical institutes, investment funds, universities, and other parties working on similar tasks.  It stimulates co-operation in support of such projects in the form of grants and assistance.

Further information at www.byggdastofnun.is

Cultural fundings

Every region has cultural fundings available that is funded by the government and municipalities. Through this funding you can apply for everything that is connected to culture in every sense of the word. Also here you can get consultation regarding your business idea.

Regional growth fundings

 In Iceland there are 6 regional contracts that the government has made with the municipalities and the aim of them are to focus on relevant opportunities in those regions and have grants available in doing so.  The prerequisitive is that you have to be in cooperation with others, they can be businesses, schools, universities or public entities so they will make clusters in that specific area.

Women entrepreneurs – Atvinnumál kvenna

Once a year the Ministry of Welfare give grants to women entrepreneurs who have good business plans or run a business. Funds are available for marketing, product development, design and making prototypes.
 Also there is a website where women can get information regarding business and more.
The website is  www.atvinnumalkvenna.is

 

Please contact  582-4914 for further information.

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