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Grants for companies

EU grant for opening a business

Are you starting a business and looking for information on grants? You are in the right place! Check out the most important information on this topic.
philip-samchuk
Filip Samczuk
Author of the article
Published
December 22 2022
Reading time
6 minutes
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Table of contents

Introduction

In this article you will find the most important information on the topic related to EU grants For starting a business. If you are starting a business and looking for financing, read to the end of the text below. An EU grant for opening a business is one option, but not the only one. Money from the Union for starting a business is one option for financing a startup business.

From this article you will learn:

  • Basic information on EU subsidies for opening a business;
  • Where to get information on available EU funds for starting your own business;
  • How to get grants from the EU to open a business;
  • Whether anyone can apply for EU funding to open a business.
european parliament building

Grants from the Union for opening a business - basic information

The European Union offers a variety of funding opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses, including startup grants. These grants are intended to cover costs associated with starting a business, such as purchasing equipment or paying for the rental of premises.

In order to apply for a startup grant, you need to meet certain conditions and submit an appropriate application. Such an application must include among others. a description of the business, a financial plan and information about the company's managers. The detailed criteria are always specified in the regulations of a particular program. You should start by studying its contents.

Subsidies for company start-ups are provided by various institutions, depending, among other things, on where the company is based. In Poland, startup grants can be provided, for example, by the Marshal's Office, the District Labor Office, the Industrial Development Agency or the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development. In other EU countries, startup grants are provided, for example, by institutions such as the European Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (EASI) or the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFIS).

alternatives to corporate subsidies

In addition to start-up grants, there are also many other financing options for small and medium-sized enterprises, such as loans (including soft loans), business development grants or equity investments. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with the offers of various institutions and choose the solution that best suits the needs and capabilities of your company.

EU grants for opening a business - what's available and where to look for announcements

There are many different sources of information about available subsidies for companies. You can start by looking at the offers of the institutions managing subsidies in the country where the company is based. In Poland, information on subsidies for companies is available on the websites of the relevant Marshal's Office, the District Labor Office or the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development.

Another source of information about available grants for companies is the websites of NGOs and trade associations, which often publish information about current funding opportunities for companies in their sector.

You can also enlist the help of specialized consulting firms that offer assistance in obtaining grants for companies. These companies are often knowledgeable about current funding opportunities and can help you prepare a grant application and obtain a grant.

In addition to this, there are also various online platforms where information about available grants for companies is available, such as fundseuropejskie.gov.pl or regional platforms like mazowia.eu; You can also sign up for industry newsletters or subscribe to discussion groups where entrepreneurs share information about current funding opportunities for companies.

A banner encouraging people to sign up for the subsidy guide

Obtaining EU funds to start a business step by step

The process of obtaining a European Union grant for a company may vary somewhat depending on the specific grant program. In general, however, the process of obtaining an EU grant for a company can be outlined as follows:

Point 1: Finding grants (the most important point!).

In order to apply for a grant from the European Union, you must first find a grant program that targets companies in your industry. Information about available subsidy programs from the European Union can be found on the websites of subsidy management institutions. You can also use the help of specialized consulting companies that offer assistance in obtaining subsidies for companies.

Item 2: Verification of conditions for subsidies.

Each grant program from the European Union has certain conditions of participation that must be met in order to apply for a grant. These conditions relate to among others. the type of business of the company, the location of the company, the size of the company and the type of project the company wants to carry out. It is important to carefully read the conditions for participation and make sure that the company meets all the requirements. Companies that assist in obtaining grants usually take it upon themselves to verify that the formal conditions are met before drafting the application.

Item 3: Drafting a grant application.

To apply for a grant from the European Union, you need to submit a corresponding application. Its content depends on the regulations of the project. Typically, such an application must include among others. a description of the company's activities, financial projections, a list of costs to be financed by the grant, and a market analyses and competition.

grant acquisition process

For whom the EU grant for opening a business

EU grants change frequently, and call dates are usually short. Therefore, it is important to keep abreast of available and planned programs. Below I point out examples of programs that allowed you to get a startup grant. Certainly, some of them will be repeated in identical or slightly modified form. If you are thinking of opening your own business, please refer to this list.

Startup platforms for new companies (Eastern Poland Startup Platforms - program 1.1.1.).

Support program for new companies, primarily technology startups. Allows you to apply for a grant of up to PLN 1,000,000 under the "Development of Startups in Eastern Poland - 1.1.2." program.

Grant for starting a business from the labor office

Financial support at the level of about PLN 30,000 for starting a business. Awarded periodically by the geographically competent District Labor Office.

Local Action Groups

Local action groups are non-profit organizations formed by local communities and aimed at improving the development of an area. As part of their activities, they often provide start-up grants.

Other (non-obvious) sources

EU funding for opening a business is not the only way to get support. There are calls organized by non-EU related entities and associations. These include the Norwegian Funds, the Visegrad Group or competitions organized by large companies looking for solutions in a particular field. It is also worth keeping track of the activity carried out by business incubators and gas pedals.

sample startup grant

EU grants for business start-up - summary

There are various forms of startup support for companies in Poland, including grants. Grants are a form of financial assistance that is provided by the government or other public institutions to entrepreneurs for a specific purpose. The possibility of obtaining a startup grant depends on a number of factors, such as the type of business, place of operation, target group, etc.

In order to obtain a business startup grant, it is necessary to submit an appropriate application and meet certain conditions. Applications for business startup grants can be submitted to various institutions, depending on the type of business and purpose.

It is important to carefully read the terms and conditions of the grant and apply according to the requirements. It is also advisable to seek advice from a specialist in obtaining startup grants to increase your chances of receiving support.

criteria for awarding start-up grants

Questions and Answers (Q&A)

  1. What are startup grants for companies? Grants are a form of financial assistance that is provided by the government or other public institutions to entrepreneurs for a specific purpose. Start-up grants are intended for entrepreneurs who are starting a business.
  2. Who can get a business startup grant? The possibility of obtaining a business startup grant is determined by certain conditions and criteria. Depending on the type of business, business location, target group, etc., business startup grants may be intended for different entrepreneurs. In order to obtain a grant, it is necessary to submit an appropriate application and meet certain requirements.
  3. Where to apply for startup grants? Applications for startup grants can be submitted to various institutions, depending on the type of activity and purpose. For example, at the Marshal's Office, a city or municipal office, the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development or other institutions. It is important to carefully read the terms and conditions of the grant and apply according to the requirements. To find out where to apply, first check the availability of grants.
  4. Are there any restrictions on the amount of startup grants? Yes, the amount of the business start-up grant is limited and depends on a number of factors, such as the type of business, the location of the business, etc. The amount of the grant is always detailed in the regulations of the particular support project.

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About the author

philip-samchuk
Filip Samczuk
For 12 years, he has provided substantive support to entrepreneurs in realizing their dreams of starting or growing a business. He advises on obtaining financing, business development and legal issues. Privately a fanatic of sports, travel and history of the 20th century.
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