Deadline: 20-Sep-2026
The Business Innovation Synergizer (BIS) is accepting applications from eligible media organisations for grants of up to €30,000 to implement innovative business ideas that improve sustainability, digital transformation, audience growth, and long-term financial resilience. As part of the Media Innovation Europe 2026–2028 programme, BIS combines grant funding with expert mentoring, networking, and strategic business support to help media organisations build stronger and more sustainable business models.
Business Innovation Synergizer (BIS) Grant Overview
The Business Innovation Synergizer (BIS) is a funding and capacity-building programme designed to help professional media organisations transform validated business ideas into practical, sustainable solutions. The initiative supports organisations seeking to strengthen their digital capabilities, diversify revenue streams, improve audience engagement, and enhance operational performance in an increasingly competitive media environment.
Implemented under the Media Innovation Europe 2026–2028 programme, BIS goes beyond financial assistance by providing personalised business mentoring, strategic guidance, and networking opportunities. The programme enables participating organisations to refine their business strategies, improve digital readiness, and develop innovative products and services that contribute to long-term organisational sustainability.
Selected organisations can receive grants of up to €30,000 with no mandatory co-financing requirement. In addition to funding, participants receive one-to-one mentoring, expert coaching, and opportunities to collaborate with other media organisations while implementing projects over a period of up to 12 months between January and December 2027.
Focus Areas
The programme supports projects related to:
- Digital transformation
- Business sustainability
- Revenue diversification
- Audience engagement and audience growth
- Innovative business models
- Digital products and services
- Business mentoring
- Operational efficiency
- Content production innovation
- Audience analytics
- Customer relationship management (CRM)
- Digital platforms
- Website development
- Mobile applications
- Newsletter development
- Audience acquisition and retention
- Community-building initiatives
- Innovative content formats
- Workflow optimisation
- Productivity improvement
- Capacity building
- Professional development
- Marketing and branding
- Distribution strategies
- Advertising products
- Commercial services
- Strategic partnerships
- Financial sustainability
- Operational resilience
- Digital readiness
- Long-term organisational growth
Funding Information
The programme offers:
- Grants of up to €30,000 per selected organisation.
- No mandatory co-financing requirement.
- Individual business mentoring and strategic guidance.
- Regular online or in-person mentoring sessions.
- Networking opportunities with participating media organisations.
- Project implementation period of up to 12 months between January and December 2027.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include legally registered professional media organisations that:
- Are established in one of the 27 European Union Member States or eligible participating countries.
- Are located in:
- Albania
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Georgia
- Iceland
- Kosovo
- Liechtenstein
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Serbia
- Ukraine
- Were established before 1 January 2025.
- Generate annual revenue exceeding €80,000.
- Employ at least five full-time staff members.
- Operate as professional media organisations.
Eligible Activities
Funding may support activities such as:
- Developing digital media products
- Improving websites and digital platforms
- Building mobile applications
- Expanding newsletters
- Strengthening audience engagement strategies
- Audience analytics implementation
- CRM system improvements
- Digital subscription initiatives
- Revenue diversification projects
- Business model innovation
- Marketing and branding campaigns
- Distribution improvements
- Commercial product development
- Workflow automation
- Operational efficiency improvements
- Capacity-building initiatives
- Professional staff development
- Community engagement activities
- Business sustainability planning
Why This Programme Matters
Media organisations face growing challenges from changing audience behaviours, digital disruption, and increasing financial pressures. The Business Innovation Synergizer helps organisations move beyond traditional business models by supporting innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable growth.
By combining financial support with expert mentoring, the programme enables media organisations to strengthen their competitive position, improve operational resilience, and create long-term value for audiences while ensuring financial sustainability.
How the BIS Programme Works
The programme follows a structured two-stage process.
Stage 1 – Initial Application
Applicants submit their business proposal along with all required supporting documents through the official online application platform.
Stage 2 – Business Idea Development
Shortlisted organisations participate in a one-month preparation programme that includes mentoring sessions, workshops, and expert guidance to refine their business ideas.
Following the preparation phase, organisations present their final proposals to an evaluation panel. The strongest projects receive grant funding and implementation support.
How to Apply
Step 1. Confirm that your organisation meets all eligibility requirements.
Step 2. Develop a validated business idea focused on innovation, sustainability, or digital transformation.
Step 3. Complete the official application form in English.
Step 4. Prepare a detailed project budget.
Step 5. Gather all required supporting documents.
Step 6. Submit the application through the designated online platform before the deadline.
Step 7. If shortlisted, participate in the one-month mentoring and workshop programme before presenting your proposal to the evaluation panel.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Completed application form
- Project budget
- Registration documents
- Proof of establishment before 1 January 2025
- Financial statements for 2025
- Recent tax compliance certificate
- Organisational chart
Tips for a Strong Application
- Present a clearly validated business idea.
- Demonstrate long-term financial sustainability.
- Explain how the project strengthens digital transformation.
- Include realistic implementation milestones.
- Show measurable audience growth or revenue outcomes.
- Develop a practical and well-justified budget.
- Highlight organisational capacity to implement the project successfully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete documentation.
- Failing to meet eligibility requirements.
- Providing unclear business objectives.
- Preparing unrealistic budgets or timelines.
- Overlooking audience engagement strategies.
- Ignoring sustainability beyond the grant period.
- Submitting applications in a language other than English.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the Business Innovation Synergizer Grant?
Professional media organisations legally registered in eligible EU Member States and participating countries that meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.
How much funding is available?
Selected organisations may receive grants of up to €30,000.
Is co-financing required?
No. The programme does not require mandatory co-financing.
How long can funded projects last?
Projects may be implemented over a period of up to 12 months, between January and December 2027.
What additional support is provided besides funding?
Participants receive individual mentoring, strategic business coaching, workshops, networking opportunities, and implementation guidance.
What documents are required with the application?
Applicants must submit the application form, budget proposal, registration documents, proof of establishment, financial statements, tax compliance certificate, and organisational chart.
What types of projects are encouraged?
Projects that improve digital transformation, revenue diversification, audience engagement, business sustainability, operational efficiency, innovative digital products, and long-term organisational resilience are strongly encouraged.
Conclusion
The Business Innovation Synergizer (BIS) offers media organisations an excellent opportunity to strengthen their business models through funding, expert mentoring, and strategic support. With grants of up to €30,000, no co-financing requirement, and a structured implementation programme, BIS helps professional media organisations accelerate digital transformation, improve financial sustainability, expand audience engagement, and build resilient operations capable of thriving in the evolving media landscape.
For more information, visit Thomson Foundation.
