Local Action Groups (LAG) in Denmark – Funding Opportunities for Local Projects and Businesses
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All the workshops and business incubators of The European-Ukrainian Hub are organized specifically for Ukrainians in Denmark. Всі курси та бізнес-інкубатори Європейсько-Українського Хабу розроблені спеціально для українців в Данії.
* Проєкт фінансується Danmarks Erhvervsfremmebestyrelse (Данська рада з розвитку бізнесу), а реєстрація на заходи відбувається через державну платформу Erhvervshusene. Під час реєстрації система одноразово запитує ваш CPR-номер — виключно для підтвердження особи. Ця інформація конфіденційна та захищена згідно з правил GDPR (Регламент ЄС щодо конфіденційності інформації в ЄС та Європейському економічному просторі)
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Local Action Groups (LAG) in Denmark – Funding Opportunities for Local Projects and Businesses
Date: January 26, 2026
Time: 18:00 - 20:00
Format: Online
Language: English
Local Action Groups (LAG) — in Danish Lokale Aktionsgrupper (укр. Місцеві ініціативні групи) — are locally based organisations that play a key role in regional development across Denmark’s rural and coastal areas. They work within the EU rural development framework and distribute EU funding to support local entrepreneurship, innovation, job creation and community development.
LAGs operate in specific geographical regions and are responsible for implementing local development strategies based on the real needs of their communities. Their mission is to strengthen local economies, create new jobs and support sustainable business models in areas outside the major cities.
Through LAG funding, small businesses, startups, social enterprises, associations and local initiatives can receive financial support to launch new projects, develop existing businesses, invest in innovation, improve marketing, or build new collaborations.
In Denmark, there are 26 Local Action Groups, each managing its own budget and development priorities — for example LAG Sydhavsøerne, LAG Vendsyssel, LAG Skive/Viborg, LAG Småøerne and others. This means that funding opportunities may differ from region to region depending on local strategies and focus areas.
This workshop is a practical introduction to how LAGs work in Denmark and how entrepreneurs and project owners can benefit from their funding programmes.
The session will be led by Martin Tange, Chief Consultant and Coordinator of LAG Sydhavsøerne, who will share insights from daily work with local businesses and development projects. Martin Tange works with regional development, entrepreneurship and EU-funded local projects in southern Denmark. As coordinator of LAG Sydhavsøerne, he supports local businesses, startups and organisations in developing project ideas, applying for funding and implementing development initiatives that strengthen the local economy.
Why LAGs are important for regional development in Denmark
Denmark has a strong political and economic focus on balanced regional development. While large cities attract investment and talent, rural and coastal areas face specific challenges such as depopulation, fewer jobs, limited access to capital and lower visibility for local businesses.
Local Action Groups were created to address these challenges by:
- supporting local entrepreneurship and innovation
- strengthening local value chains
- creating new jobs in rural and coastal regions
- improving living conditions and business infrastructure
- supporting sustainable and community-based projects
- keeping local economies active and attractive
How small businesses use LAG funding
Small businesses and startups use LAG funding to:
- launch new companies in rural areas
- expand existing businesses
- develop new products or services
- invest in equipment or facilities
- strengthen marketing and sales
- build tourism, food, craft and experience-based businesses
- create local collaborations and clusters
- develop sustainable and circular business models
What you will learn
- What Local Action Groups (LAG / Lokale Aktionsgrupper) are and how they operate
- How EU rural development funding is distributed through LAGs in Denmark
- How local development strategies are designed and implemented
- What types of projects and businesses can receive financial support
- Who is eligible to apply for LAG funding
- How funding priorities differ between regions
- How to find the right LAG for your location
- What the application process looks like in practice
- Practical tips for preparing a strong project proposal
This workshop is relevant for:
- Entrepreneurs and small business owners
- Startups and project founders
- Social entrepreneurs and community initiatives
- Associations and non-profit organisations
- Anyone interested in launching or developing a local project in Denmark’s rural or coastal areas