The Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) currently offers more than 65 different services to entrepreneurs, including grant support for implementing various initiatives focused on export development or the introduction of innovations. Until now, a limited range of services was available in the regions, but following the reorganisation of LIAA, entrepreneurs will be able to receive broader support at 20 regional representative offices, which were previously known as business incubators.

From this year, we have changed our strategy by expanding the range of services provided by LIAA's regional representative offices. While previously it was only possible to receive business incubation and co-working services in the regions, we are now ready to offer other services provided by LIAA there as well,” explains Iveta Strupkāja, acting director of LIAA.

LIAA's regional representative offices are being established on the basis of former business incubators and support units, maintaining the extensive regional network. LIAA representative offices are located in such places in Latvia as Ventspils, Kuldīga, Liepāja, Saldus, Talsi, Tukums, Jūrmala, Jelgava, Bauska, Ogre, Sigulda, Cēsis, Valmiera, Smiltene, Alūksne, Gulbene, Madona, Jēkabpils, Rēzekne and Daugavpils. Meanwhile, the Creative Industries Representative Office and the Technology Representative Office will continue their operations in Riga.

The regions play a significant role in the development of Latvia's economy, which is why we want to be closer to our clients. We have now found a model for providing support to a wider range of clients without the need to create additional staff positions. Incubation and pre-incubation programmes have shown good results, and we are confident that by establishing regional representative offices, we will also be able to increase demand for other services provided by LIAA,” emphasises I. Strupkāja.

The new cycle of incubation and pre-incubation programmes is planned to be announced in March, but entrepreneurs can already access support for export promotion, participation in exhibitions and trade missions, digitalisation, the organisation of various large-scale events and other activities.

Performance indicators of the incubation programme:

Within the framework of the project "Regional Business Incubators and Creative Industries Incubator" from 2016 to 2023, a total of 685 businesses received support in the form of grants. 1,044 newly created businesses were supported, and employment in the supported companies increased by 2,568 staff. In total, 92 businesses in the field of creative industries were supported, and 3,173 individuals and businesses received non-financial support in the form of pre-incubation assistance. The funding utilised in the project totals €35.2 million, while tax payments by supported businesses to the State Treasury amount to €47.1 million, and the funding attracted by the businesses for their own development totals €49.5 million.

The operation of LIAA's regional representative offices is provided with ERDF co-financing.