A competition for state grants for social entrepreneurship has been announced in Kazakhstan's capital: participants can receive up to 5 million tenge to implement new business ideas, with applications opening on October 15, 2026, according to infohub.kz.

The competition is organized by the Astana Department of Investment and Entrepreneurship Development. The financial support is intended for social entrepreneurship entities included in the relevant register, as well as finalists of the "One Village – One Product" program.

"Social entrepreneurs included in the register, as well as finalists of the 'One Village – One Product' program, can take part in the competition," the akimat said.

Applications will be accepted from October 15 to 20 exclusively in electronic format through the kezekte.kz platform. Applicants must complete an application and attach a full package of documents in the approved form. Documents received after the deadline will not be considered.

The maximum state grant is 5 million tenge. The funds are provided for the implementation of new entrepreneurial projects subject to established requirements.

One of the mandatory conditions is co-financing by the recipient. The entrepreneur must provide their own contribution of at least 20% of the grant amount. Personal movable or immovable property used in the project may be accepted as a contribution.

For example, if receiving the maximum grant of 5 million tenge, the minimum co-financing amount will be 1 million tenge. In addition, the business project must provide for the creation of new jobs.

Another requirement concerns the investment plan. It must reflect the availability of infrastructure for the project or measures to create it.

The funds received can be used to purchase equipment and other fixed assets necessary for doing business. Financing of construction, modernization, reconstruction, and major repairs of fixed assets is allowed.

The grant may also be used to purchase raw materials and supplies necessary for the production of goods or the provision of services.

The list of eligible expenses includes the acquisition of intangible assets, technologies, and franchising rights. In addition, the funds may cover research and the introduction of new technological solutions. Using state financing for purposes not provided for by the competition terms is prohibited.

The business project must be completed no later than 18 months from the date of signing the grant agreement.

Earlier, "Kursiv" told the story of how a 20-year-old Kazakhstani opened a cleaning company and received a call from the minister.