Powered by the Department of Employment & Entrepreneurship (DoEE), Ministry of Industry, Commerce & Employment (MoICE), and the Loden Foundation
The Department of Employment & Entrepreneurship (DoEE), the Ministry of Industry, Commerce & Employment (MoICE), and the Loden Foundation are pleased to announce the Fall 2026 Call for Business Proposals, which offers a blended financing package.
The initiative is supported by DoEE through the World Bank, by the Loden Foundation, and by Society Switzerland Bhutan. It also features two dedicated funding categories: the Loden Women’s Enterprise Window, supported by the Bronwen and Brian Mills Educational Trust, and the Loden Technology Award, supported by Arnaud Oltramare.
Special Category: Loden Women’s Enterprise Window
In collaboration with the Bronwen and Brian Mills Educational Trust, we are privileged to introduce a dedicated funding window designed exclusively for women entrepreneurs. This initiative offers collateral-free start-up financing together with international mentoring opportunities, thereby fostering women’s economic leadership and advancing their role in shaping Bhutan’s entrepreneurial future.
Special Category: Loden Technology Award
This year, we are pleased to introduce the Loden Technology Award – an annual award that will support one exceptional technology-driven startup with the funding and mentorship needed to grow into a sustainable business.
Established in partnership with Arnaud Oltramare, the award provides up to $7,000 in milestone-based grant funding alongside a founder co-investment requirement, ensuring that recipients are genuinely committed to their venture’s success.
Priority is given to young Bhutanese founders from computer science, IT, and engineering backgrounds who are developing solutions to challenges facing Bhutan today. This reflects the Foundation’s broader commitment to retaining young talent in Bhutan and building a resilient digital economy at home.
The award will be presented annually over an initial five-year period, with the possibility of a five-year extension subject to demonstrated impact — reflecting a long-term commitment to building a resilient and self-sustaining technology entrepreneurship ecosystem in Bhutan.
What’s New This Call
– Loden Technology Award (Tech Start-Up Support Window) – a dedicated track for early-stage tech ventures
What We Offer
– Blended financing of up to Nu. 1.5 Million per selected venture – an interest-free repayable loan plus a non-repayable derisking fund
– Two-tranche disbursement within two months of final results, subject to a signed loan agreement and personal guarantor
– Second tranche released only after joint DoEE-Loden monitoring verification of fund utilisation
– Personalised mentoring support, with bi-annual written reporting once the business is operational
– A grace period of three to six months before loan repayments start, with repayment structured over four years
Who Should Apply?
We’re inviting Bhutanese entrepreneurs – aspiring or established – with ventures that are economically viable, socially responsible, culturally attuned, and environmentally sustainable.
Evaluation Priorities
1. Financial viability (ability to repay the loan)
2. Cultural, social, and ecological sensitivity
3. Clarity and realism of the proposal
4. Social impact – employment generation, community benefit
5. Geographic suitability / regional balance
6. Non-duplication of existing Loden-funded ventures
7. Entrepreneurial drive and motivation
8. Personal commitment – teamwork and personal investment
9. Business skills and market understanding
Application Process
There are TWO application processes; applicants choose ONE:
- Process A – Submit the Loden Business Proposal Template. You can download the template HERE.
- Process B – Submit your own proposal (max. 15 pages) + CV + personal statement + Business Plan Submission Form + CIB report(s) + CID/Permit Card copy
Note: Returning applicants with the same idea must clearly state what is new in their proposal and disclose any funding already received or applied for elsewhere.
Application Details
– Application Opens: 27 July 2026
– Application Deadline: 31 August 2026, 5:00 PM
Apply Today!
Don’t miss this opportunity to build or grow your business with Bhutan’s leading entrepreneurship support programme. Apply by 31 August 2026.
For more details or to apply, visit: https://forms.gle/xoRtc8DKvhahdxfe6
For queries, please contact:
Ms. Jitshen Dhelsey Phuntsho, Loden Entrepreneurship Officer, at 77195599 | dhelsey@loden.org
Ms. Tshering Yuden, DoEE Assistant Program Officer, at 17288154 | yudentshering49@gmail.com
