On January 30th, 2026, Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Francisco Kalbuadi Lay chaired the ceremony to award support packages for 2025 under the “Fasilidade Inkubasaun Negósiu” programme (FIN), which supports new micro and small businesses across a range of activities. The initiative covered 24 beneficiaries, including 6 women and 18 men. 
During the ceremony, IADE Executive Director Filomeno Marcelino Belo explained that beneficiaries were selected through a technical, phased process that included the submission and evaluation of proposals, technical advice, preparation of business plans, and a final decision by the Institute’s board of directors. He also noted that, out of 70 business plan proposals submitted, 24 were approved for support under the FIN programme.
According to the official, the support packages include funding for operating costs, raw material procurement, marketing, and equipment investment, depending on the needs identified in each business plan. IADE will monitor beneficiaries for two years, providing technical advice and tracking project implementation based on periodic reports submitted by entrepreneurs.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Ferdinandus da Costa, an entrepreneur in the agricultural sector in the municipality of Lautém, expressed his gratitude for the support provided and highlighted the impact of the financing on the modernisation and innovation of his economic activities, emphasising the importance of continuing the programme and strengthening access to adequate credit instruments for small entrepreneurs.
The Vice Prime Minister said that the Government is working to establish the National Development Bank of Timor-Leste to improve access to credit and promote inclusive economic growth. He also highlighted IADE’s role in supporting national entrepreneurship through programmes focused on business viability, innovation, and sustainability.
The “Fasilidade Inkubasaun Negósiu” Programme is part of IADE’s Annual Action Plan and aims to strengthen the private sector, promote the development of new products and services, and contribute to the diversification of the national economy. By the end of 2025, IADE had supported 244 beneficiaries nationwide.
Representatives from various public institutions involved in economic development and professional training also attended the ceremony.