Shipping containers are not only a logistics tool but also an increasingly popular option for small businesses looking to expand their operations—from cafes to workshops or temporary offices. The most popular sizes chosen by businesses are 3. 6 meters (20’DC) and, less commonly, 12-meter (40’HC) and 13.5-meter containers, which are used both individually and in the design of modular buildings.
Although the investment in containers may seem small, by properly taking advantage of available funding opportunities, you can recoup even the majority of your expenses, which can further help your business and its growth. In this article, we’ll discuss the business subsidies available in Lithuania that are worth considering for both startups and established businesses.
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| Field | How It Benefits the Container Business | Key Conditions / Amounts | Where to Apply |
| Insurance discount for an alarm system | The premium for property (container, equipment) insurance is approximately 10% lower if an EN 50131-compliant alarm system connected to a security service monitoring center is installed. | The discount is applied in the insurance calculator by checking the “active alarm system” box (e.g., Gjensidige Insurance shows –10%). | https://www.gjensidige.lt/busto-draudimas/isigykite-busto-draudima Insurance Company |
| Support for Business (Job) Creation | Funding is available for the container itself, its equipment, or repairs—up to 31 times the minimum monthly wage (~€32,000) per job; funding intensity is 100%. | The applicant commits to maintaining the job created in the container for 36 months. | Employment Service, “Support for Business Creation” (PVK) program https://uzt.lt/parama-verslo-kurimui/487 |
| Subsidy for container adaptation | If the module needs to be adapted for an employee with a disability (ramps, restroom facilities, special door handle), 100% of the costs are reimbursed as de minimis aid. | This applies to both newly established and existing workplaces. | Employment Service – “Workplace Adaptation” Program https://uzt.lt/darbdaviams/darbo-vietu-pritaikymo-subsidijavimas/67 |
| Wage subsidy | 30–50% wage compensation for 6–12 months for employees belonging to target groups (youth, those aged 55+, and the long-term unemployed). | Can be combined with container rental/purchase; it is important to keep the de minimis limits in mind. | Employment Service – “Wage Subsidies” https://uzt.lt/darbdaviams/subsidijos-darbo-uzmokesciui/321 |
| LAG/LEADER Rural Calls for Proposals | For a coffee kiosk, workshop, or tourist information center set up in a container in a rural area—up to €200,000 (up to 70% of the project value). | Applications are accepted by local action groups according to their own schedules. | LAG Calls for Proposals 2025 https://www.esparamoscentras.lt/lt/vvg-kvietimai-verslo-pradziai-pletrai-ir-kiti-kvietimai-kaimo-vietovese-2024-m-2/?utm_source=chatgpt.com; https://www.esparamoscentras.lt/lt/es-parama-verslui/ |
| Export Development Grants | Container-style exhibition booth at an international trade fair: partial reimbursement of transportation, booth rental, and participant fees. | Priority is given to circular economy products and “green” construction. | Ministry of Economy & Innovation – “Support for Export Development” https://eimin.lrv.lt/lt/veiklos-sritys/eksportas/parama-eksporto-pletrai/ |
| Skills Development Grant | Up to €15,000 for employee training (e.g., courses for container assemblers, welders, and project managers). | A training plan and a three-year retention commitment are required. | Innovation Agency – Call for Targeted Skills 2024 https://inovacijuagentura.lt/finansavimo-kvietimai/tiksliniu-kompetenciju-ugdymo-palydimosios-subsidijos-verslui2.html |
| APVA Energy Efficiency Support | Up to €14,500 in reimbursable expenses for container insulation, A+ windows, solar panels, or a heat pump. | You must achieve an energy efficiency class of ≥ B or integrate a renewable energy system (AEI). | APVA Calls for Proposals 2024–2025 (modernization, solar power plants) https://sertifikatas24.lt/parama-namo-renovacijai-2024-apva-ar-bus/?utm_source=chatgpt.com ; https://apvis.apva.lt/duk |
| Launch of Rural Economic Activities (LVPA/ZŪMIS) | A one-time grant of up to €18,800 for a small business or tourism service operated from a container. | Must create at least 1 job and operate for 5 years. | “Start-up of Economic Activities in Rural Areas” Program https://zumis.lt/ext/measuredesc/541?0& |
Support for Job Creation
If you have already started your business and plan to expand your workforce, you may be eligible for “Support for Business Creation,” provided by the Employment Service. This support can cover the costs of repairing the container and the equipment inside it up to 31 times the minimum monthly wage (~€32,000) per job, provided the business creates the job and commits to maintaining it for 36 months.
This support can also be combined with a wage subsidy, which provides 30–50% of the salary for 6–12 months if you hire employees belonging to target groups (for example, young people, those over 55, or the long-term unemployed).
To learn more about this support, you can contact the Employment Service using the contact information provided on their website.
Support for Container Adaptation
If your planned business will employ individuals with special needs who may require workplace modifications (for example, a restroom, a ramp, a special door handle, or other features that improve working conditions), you can apply for 100% reimbursement for adapting the container to meet individual needs. You should also contact the Employment Service regarding this matter.
LEADER and LAG Rural Calls for Proposals
Today, individuals starting a business in the field of rural tourism are also eligible for subsidies. LEADER (French: Liaison Entre Actions de Développement de l’Économie Rurale)—is a European Union-initiated approach designed to promote local development in rural areas by involving local communities in decision-making. This support is implemented through local action groups (LAGs)—organizations operating in specific municipalities or administrative districts. These are specific calls for proposals under the LEADER program. The calls specify priority areas (e.g., small businesses, tourism, rural services), funding intensity, the amount of funding available, and the application procedure.
For those living in rural areas or owning land within a LAG’s territory, LEADER calls for proposals are particularly relevant. Up to €200,000 in support is available for container-based businesses: cafes, workshops, and tourism services. Applications are accepted by local action groups according to their own schedules.
Support for Exports and Green Efficiency
If you plan to export products manufactured in a container (e.g., modular homes to Scandinavia), it’s worth taking advantage of the Ministry of Economy and Innovation’s export promotion measures—which cover the costs of exhibition booths, transportation, and participation in trade fairs. If the container complies with “green” construction principles, additional points are awarded. Such projects can be combined with APVA energy efficiency support—up to €14,500 in reimbursable expenses for insulation, A+ windows, or solar panels.
Skill Development
It’s not just about purchasing a container; it’s also about ensuring your employees have the right skills. In this case, you can receive compensation of up to €15,000 for employee training: ranging from container assembly to project management. The subsidy requires a commitment to maintain the business for at least three years.
Starting a Small Business
Small business owners operating in rural areas are also eligible for a one-time grant of up to €18,800 to start a business in a container, provided that you create at least one job and the business operates for at least 5 years.
Insurance Discount—the Fastest Return
For those planning to insure their business assets right away, it’s worth knowing that if a shipping container or equipment is protected by a certified EN 50131 alarm system and connected to a security service, the insurance premium is reduced by up to 10%, and the discount takes effect the same day. For more detailed information, it’s best to contact the insurance company of your choice directly.
How can you take advantage of subsidies in practice?
Combine different support measures—a single container can often be financed from multiple sources. For example, the purchase may be covered by the Business Start-up Support Program (PVK), while wages are covered by a wage subsidy. Don’t forget to check the de minimis (state aid limit) cap (€200,000 over three years), as most subsidies count toward the EU state aid limit.
The information in this article is preliminary. Please verify all details separately.