What types of business ideas are eligible to apply?
The Loden Entrepreneurship Programme (LEP) was established to assist young Bhutanese with the vision, drive, and idea to start or grow an economically beneficial, socially responsible, culturally sensitive, and environmentally friendly company.
The proposal will be evaluated based on the following priority criteria:
- Financial viability (able to repay the loan)
- Cultural, social and ecological sensitivity (e.g. not a slaughterhouse, fishery, logging, bar etc.)
- Clear and realistic
- Social impact such as employment generation, community benefit, etc.
- Geographic suitability or regional balance
- Non-duplication of LEP funded project or projects (should not be something which is already in the market and where there is no requirement for such projects)
- Entrepreneurial drive and motivation (good business is not sufficient; we need real entrepreneurs)
- Personal commitment (teamwork and personal investment are a plus)
- Skills (understanding competition and key business indicators)
In addition to the general eligibility criteria outlined above, the Loden Fall Call for Business Proposals 2025 introduces a special Creative Funding Category to promote entrepreneurship in the creative sector. This funding window aims to support businesses in the creative industry, recognizing the significance of fostering creativity, innovation, and cultural expression in Bhutan.
The Loden-Creative Funding Window invites business proposals that fulfill the following criteria:
A. Alignment with the ITC Categorization of Creative Industry: Business proposals must fall within the parameters outlined by the International Trade Center’s categorization of the creative industry, encompassing:
- Arts:
a. Performing Arts: Choreography, Festivals, Live Music, Plays, Opera, etc.
b. Visual Arts: Painting, Photography, Sculpture, etc.
- Audiovisuals: Animated Film, Fiction Film, Documentary Video, etc.
- Creative Writing: Essays, Music Lyrics, Novels, Play Scripts, Poems, Short Stories, TV/Movie Scripts, etc.
- Design: Advertising, Architecture, Crafts, Fashion, Games, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Software, etc.
- Music: Advertising Music, Composition, Game/Movie Soundtracks, Songs, etc.
B. Ethical and Legal Compliance: Businesses must adhere to ethical standards and legal requirements in their operations, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
The Loden Foundation recognizes the immense potential of creative businesses and aims to provide the necessary support to help them thrive in the evolving economic landscape of Bhutan.
Application Process:
There are TWO application processes; please choose any ONE of the following:
Process A: Applicants must submit the business proposal template developed by Loden Foundation, which is available (HERE) If you are following process A, you do not have to submit the documents listed in process B because those documents need to be attached to the same template.
Process B: Applicants who are submitting their own business proposal must submit the following documents:
- Business proposal (not exceeding 15 pages) GUIDELINE
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Personal statement explaining why you are interested in the chosen business
- Duly filled ‘Business Plan Submission form available HERE
- Latest CIB report of the applicant. If you are married, you also need to submit your spouse’s CIB report from the Credit Information Bureau of Bhutan. For further details, you may visit: https://www.cib.bt/ProductAndServices/Downloads.aspx
- CID or Permit Card copy
Note 1: We also encourage you to submit supporting documents (if applicable) such as lease approvals for land, proforma invoices of machinery & equipment and relevant recommendation letters proving proficiency or recognitions etc.
NOTE 2: If you are a returning applicant applying with the same idea, you must explicitly mention what is new in your business plan. You must also indicate if you have received or applied for funding for the same business from other funding sources.
Interested applicants must submit the complete set of documents in a single PDF file to Google Forms.
Applications submitted after 5 pm, 14/07/2025, will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the interview rounds. For any further information, you may contact Ms. Monika Limboo, Asst. Programme Officer, at office phone 77195599 or email at mlimboo@loden.org during office hours OR Contact Ms Tshering Yuden, at phone number 17288154 or email at yudentshering49@gmail.com.
Click Frequently Asked Questions for additional information.