The Loden Foundation is thrilled to announce the bi-annual call for business proposals in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment under Department of Entrepreneurship and Employment, Boiling Point and Society Switzerland Bhutan. This program aims to support a diverse range of entrepreneurial ventures aligned with national priorities such as employment creation, import substitution, retaining overseas Bhutanese, and enhancing economic resilience. As we continue the momentum from our 25th anniversary celebrations, we remain especially committed to promoting the creative sector. Building on last year’s special invitation for proposals from creative industries—alongside our open call for all businesses—we are pleased to announce the continuation of this focus in the current cycle.
Standard Selection Process: The business proposals and applicants will be evaluated by an independent panel of judges composed of both national and international business specialists. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview in August 2025 at the Loden office in Thimphu or virtually. Changes in schedule will be announced on the website in advance.
Selected applicants will receive a four-year, interest-free loan of up to Nu. 1.5 million. Additionally, for the Fall call 2025, 50% (max. Nu. 500,000) of the approved amount will be provided as a grant, courtesy of the Department of Employment and Entrepreneurship (DoEE) and funding from the GoI-Economic Stimulus Program. (Both for Regular Fall Call as well as Creative Call) The loan will be disbursed within two months of the final results being announced and all necessary prerequisites being fulfilled. The Loden Foundation will require the selected applicants to sign a loan agreement along with a guarantor. The loan is divided into two installments. The second tranche of the loan will be made following verification of the proper use of the funds received in the first tranche and a favourable recommendation from Loden’s project monitoring team.
Mentoring Support: Mentoring support will be provided to the selected entrepreneurs to help them advance their businesses and provide guidance in business-related areas. Once the business is up and running, the entrepreneurs must send a detailed bi-annual written report to the Loden office. Entrepreneurs are usually granted a grace period of up to six months before being required to repay the entire loan amount within four years.
