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This grant program supports initiatives and projects aimed at ensuring that Buskerud's workforce has access to the competencies needed to meet future challenges in society and working life. All funded initiatives must be collaborative projects involving multiple actors. Projects aligned with the knowledge base and relevant focus areas presented in the report 'Future Competency Needs in Buskerud' will be prioritized. The program emphasizes collaboration between educational institutions, businesses, municipalities, and other relevant stakeholders to develop and implement competency-building measures that address regional workforce development needs.

This is an operational grant program for providers of higher vocational education (fagskole education) in Norway. The program provides funding support to institutions that offer higher vocational training programs. The webpage indicates that it is under reconstruction and refers applicants to the Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir) for the current grant scheme for operational funding to vocational colleges. This grant supports the operational costs and activities of vocational education institutions in Buskerud county and is administered by Buskerud County Council in coordination with national education authorities.

This grant program supports sustainable business development projects that promote increased value creation, innovation, and competitiveness in Buskerud. The program has allocated 7 million Norwegian kroner for the 2026 call. Priority areas for 2026 include projects that exploit opportunities in the green transition, support an adaptive business sector with high productivity, and promote business development throughout all of Buskerud. The program offers support for both preliminary projects (forprosjekt) up to 200,000 NOK and main projects with no upper limit, depending on project scope. Grant funding covers up to 50% of approved project costs. Eligible applicants include incubators, business parks and entrepreneurial environments, research institutes and educational institutions, municipalities and regional councils, destination companies, business organizations, interest organizations, business networks, and clusters.

The In-Company Training Grant (BIO) from Akershus County Council is designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises in Akershus, Norway, provide employees with new competencies to implement transformation and innovation. The grant supports training costs, salary costs during training periods, and related expenses such as travel and course materials. Businesses can apply for up to 750,000 NOK per company and up to 75,000 NOK per employee participating in training. The program requires businesses to conduct a competence needs assessment and develop a training plan before applying. Training must be delivered by external providers, preferably accredited educational institutions, and can last up to one year or two semesters. The grant covers up to 50% of costs, with businesses required to contribute the remainder as co-financing. This funding opportunity aims to strengthen business competitiveness through strategic competence development aligned with innovation and transformation goals.