The old compensation system no longer works
During the pandemic Norway launched a broad compensation program for companies that lost revenue due to restrictions. It covered, among other things, part of companies' fixed costs.
However, it was a crisis solution related to the pandemic in the years 2020–2022. Today the page kompensasjonsordning should not be treated as a current, general program for all companies.
In 2026 support for businesses looks different. It is directed at specific projects, investments, innovations, energy savings or employment.
Innovasjon Norge – money for growth and innovation
One of the first places worth checking is Innovasjon Norge.
The institution runs programs for companies that want to start operations, develop new products, enter new markets or scale up. The current offer includes grants, loans and other forms of financing.
Check Innovasjon Norge's current grants
For innovative startups there are, among others, Oppstartstilskudd 1, where support can amount to up to 150 000 NOK, and Oppstartstilskudd 2, where the maximum amount reaches 1 mln NOK. However, the programs have specific requirements and are not intended for every ordinary small business.
SkatteFUNN – 19 percent of R&D project costs
A company working on a new product, technology, service or solution can check SkatteFUNN.
The program grants the right to deduct 19% of eligible costs of a research and development project, up to a cost base of a maximum of 25 mln NOK per year.
One-person businesses can also use the program, although the owner of an ENK cannot count their own hours of work as project costs.
Enova – support for energy and modernization
If a company owns or is modernizing a building, plant or installations that consume a lot of energy, it is worth checking Enova.
For example, a program concerning the improvement of energy efficiency in commercial buildings can cover up to 25% of project costs.
Check Enova's current programs for businesses
Enova also runs programs for industry aimed at reducing energy consumption, cutting emissions and replacing fossil fuels.
Deadlines and terms vary between programs, so you should always check the current application round before starting an investment.
NAV can help with hiring an employee
Support for a company does not always mean money for equipment or investment.
NAV has programs that can cover part of the costs of employing a person who has difficulty entering or returning to the labour market.
An example is midlertidig lønnstilskudd, that is temporary wage subsidies. In the standard variant NAV can cover part of the employee's salary costs, feriepenger, employer's contributions and OTP.
Check midlertidig lønnstilskudd
There is also inkluderingstilskudd, which can help an employer cover certain additional costs of adapting the workplace. Such support must be approved in advance by NAV.
There is no single grant "for every company"
This is the most important thing.
In 2026 there is no single general program to which an entrepreneur applies just because they have a company.
First you need to answer the question:
What do I need the money for?
If it's about innovation or development, check Innovasjon Norge.
If you are developing technology or running an R&D project, check SkatteFUNN.
If you are investing in energy efficiency, check Enova.
If you want to hire a person who needs support in the labor market, check NAV.
Only then should you prepare the application.
Watch out for one thing: first the application, then the investment
In many programs, starting the project before receiving the decision may mean losing the right to the grant.
Therefore you should not buy equipment, sign contracts, or start investments first and only later ask for support.
First check the conditions of the specific program.
Where to start?
For most small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, a good starting point will be three official places:
Innovasjon Norge – development, startups, innovation and financing
Enova – energy, climate and energy efficiency
NAV – hiring and workplace adaptation
Companies running research or technology projects should also check SkatteFUNN.
Information checked: 25 September 2026.
