The grant call focuses exclusively on supporting the establishment and growth of small and medium-sized businesses in ecotourism, gastronomy, crafts, and cultural activities.
Introduction
Do you want to establish or expand a business that respects the environment, supports your community, and creates new opportunities linked to Kolkheti National Park (KNP)? Do you see potential in ecotourism, gastrotourism, or community-based experiences, but require guidance and support to transform your idea into a sustainable business model?
The Local Economic Development Project (LEDP), implemented by HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation and partners with support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), is launching a special program in Poti, Zugdidi, Khobi, Senaki, Abasha, and Lanchkhuti municipalities to support local entrepreneurs, start-ups, and community groups.
Why this Call?
Kolkheti National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Georgia’s most unique ecological assets. It spans Samegrelo and Guria, connecting multiple municipalities and offering significant potential for sustainable economic development. Despite this, services and tourism products around the park remain underdeveloped, and local communities often face barriers to participating in the park’s economic opportunities.
This program aims to:
- Encourage the creation of businesses directly linked to KNP’s tourism potential, including water-based, land-based, and community-based activities.
- Promote sustainable business models that balance economic growth with nature conservation.
- Strengthen local capacities to deliver services to visitors and tourists while ensuring that benefits remain within the surrounding communities.
- Support inter-municipal cooperation to position KNP as a shared economic attraction for the region.
Objectives of the Program
- Build entrepreneurial and technical skills for individuals and groups in KNP-adjacent municipalities.
- Support the creation of small and medium-sized businesses in ecotourism, gastronomy, crafts, and cultural activities.
- Develop community-led initiatives that contribute to the long-term sustainable use of KNP’s natural and cultural resources.
- Increase visibility of local businesses by connecting them to markets, tourism operators, and regional events.
- Contribute to broader regional economic development by fostering inclusive growth and job creation.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to individuals, groups, and businesses located in Poti, Zugdidi, Khobi, Senaki, Abasha, and Lanchkhuti municipalities.
Only applicants whose proposed services or business ideas are in direct or close relation to Kolkheti National Park (KNP) will be eligible for support. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Tourism and ecotourism services such as guided tours, boating, horse-riding, birdwatching, hiking, camping, cycling, or eco-lodging.
- Gastrotourism and local gastronomy linked to KNP’s identity and visitor experience.
- Community-based experiences such as handicrafts, cultural workshops, masterclasses, or storytelling related to the region.
Encouragement is given to applications from youth, women, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and other underrepresented groups in the targeted municipalities.
What Support Will Selected Applicants Receive?
Financial support will be provided only for services, products, or activities that strengthen the tourism and ecotourism potential of Kolkheti National Park and its surrounding communities.
Each successful applicant will receive a grant of up to 20,000 GEL, provided under a co-funding scheme with the respective municipality. The funding must be used for:
- Technical and professional support to set up or improve services directly connected to KNP tourism.
- Procurement of equipment or tools required for KNP-related business activities.
- Small-scale infrastructure, renovation, or preparation of spaces intended for visitor services.
The support is designed to help entrepreneurs and community groups establish a sustainable business model that creates jobs and income while enhancing the tourism offer of KNP and its surrounding municipalities.
Broader Context
This call is part of LEDP’s efforts to promote systemic, inter-municipal collaboration around Kolkheti National Park. By supporting sustainable businesses, LEDP seeks to:
- Strengthen local employment and income opportunities.
- Position KNP as a flagship regional tourism destination.
- Ensure development benefits local people living in buffer zones.
Application Process
Interested applicants are invited to complete the Application Form by 12 September 2025. The form requires no more than 15 minutes to complete and should provide clear information on the applicant’s idea, its connection to Kolkheti National Park, and the expected economic and social benefits.
Following submission, applications will be reviewed by a selection committee composed of representatives of LEDP and municipalities. The committee will first evaluate proposals against core criteria, with particular attention to the financial sustainability and feasibility of the business model, as well as its direct relevance to KNP’s tourism and ecotourism potential.
Based on this assessment, a shortlist of applicants will be prepared. These shortlisted proposals will then be further reviewed and discussed with the applicants in consultation with tour operators and sector specialists, ensuring that business ideas are aligned with actual market demand and tourism development trends.
After this stage of refinement and validation, the final selection of applicants will be made.
All applicants will be notified of the results by the beginning of October 2025, and the program will commence shortly thereafter.
Contact Information
For questions or assistance, please contact: zura.gamtenadze@helvetas.org