Economic JusticeActive · 2026 cohort open
KRAFT Entrepreneurial Programme
Start or grow your business in Norway with the knowledge, network, and mentorship to make it work.
KRAFT is a free entrepreneurship programme for immigrants and people from marginalised backgrounds who have a business idea, are preparing to launch a business, or want to strengthen an existing one.
The programme combines two weeks of practical, in-person training with five months of group mentoring.
In-person training: 15–26 June 2026 · Lillestrøm, Norway | Group mentoring: August–December 2026
- Free of charge
- All courses in English
AboutA response to real barriers.
Starting and growing a business requires more than a good idea. Entrepreneurs need practical knowledge, experienced guidance, relevant networks and a clear understanding of how to operate in Norway. Access to these resources is not equal, particularly for immigrants and people from underrepresented backgrounds.
KRAFT was created to help address this gap. Through practical workshops and six months of group mentoring, participants develop their business ideas, strengthen their entrepreneurial skills and gain the knowledge and connections needed to make informed decisions about their next steps.
VoicesWhat participants say.
This program has been life-changing for me. I went into it with a want to start a business, but very little idea of how to go about it… The program showed me it was possible and gave me tools and a network to build a business as an immigrant in Norway.
2021 participant
The teachers are entrepreneurs themselves. Obviously you'll gain real-life information from them.
2023 participant
I now know how to start a business, make future plans, take precautions and know so much more about building a business.
2024 participant
Has helped me on many levels: mentally, to recognize that I am capable of doing big things even when hard stuff happened to me before… shifted the paradigm about money, marketing, the business world.
2025 participant
How it worksTwo phases, one continuous programme.
In-person workshops
Hands-on sessions on the essentials of building and running a business in Norway — validating your idea, business models and strategy, finance and pricing, marketing and sales, and navigating Norwegian regulations and registration. Free of charge and taught in English, in Lillestrøm.
5-month group mentoring
From August to December, participants continue in small mentoring groups, supported by an experienced mentor. The group meets roughly once a month. The mentorship gives participants space to work through current business challenges, learn from others at a similar stage and remain accountable for the steps they have committed to taking.
ImpactSix years, growing results.
- completed yearly programmes
- 6
- companies completed the programme
- 83
- businesses launched or grown
- 54
- average business-start rate across all cohorts
- 65%
- mentors and industry experts involved
- 67
Participant feedback: 100% reported increased professional network, sense of belonging, self-confidence, and overall mental health and wellbeing.
Apply
Apply to KRAFT 2026
Participant applications open in April – May every year.
Registration for the 2026 cohort has ended. Subscribe below to be notified about the next cohort.
Become a Mentor
Applications are open on a rolling basis