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How to get funding for business development?

Looking for financing for an already operating company? See what the possibilities are. Check out this article.
Filip Samczuk
Author of the article
Published
January 17 2023
Reading time
6 minutes
Faucet as a metaphor for business development funding
Table of contents

Introduction

Already have a business and start-up funds are not necessarily the solution for you? Wondering how to get funding for business development? If so, you're in the right place. From this article you will learn how to get funding for business development. EU funds (EU subsidies) is the most popular form of support, but not the only one. Read to the end to learn how to help spread the wings of your own business - whether it's a JDG or a company.

EU funding for company development - basic information

There are various subsidy programs available for existing companies, which are made available by the government, local authorities as well as non-governmental institutions. These grants can be used for various purposes, such as investment in new technologies, development of new products or services, export development, etc.

Importantly, both newly opened companies and existing ones can count on grants. Typically, more programs are available for established companies.

Faucet as a metaphor for business development funding

To apply for a grant, a company must meet certain criteria and submit relevant documents, such as business plan Or a properly completed application. It is worth remembering that competition for such grants is usually very high, so it is necessary to prepare the application carefully. It is best to use the support of experienced specialists. This will increase the chances of success.

Basic steps when you want to get European funds for development

Step 1 - Evaluate funding opportunities

Look objectively at your enterprise. Consider what the real (and not stretched) needs are. E.g., are you actually planning to go abroad or invest in a new production line? If not, applying for EU grants makes no sense. First of all, your chances are slim. Secondly, a grant means not only benefits, but also obligations (own contribution, detailed reporting), so "by force" it is better not to try. Also, think about whether you have your own contribution (minimum 20-25%) or whether you are able to obtain it, for example, from a loan.

Step 2 - find the right support program

Creating a business plan when you don't have a specific grant identified misses the point. Each support program has its own regulations and its different requirements. Therefore, you should first get to know them, and only then get down to creating the necessary documentation.

When you are considering financial solutions such as grants or soft loans sign up for an informative guide DostepneDotacje.pl to stay up to date on current opportunities. Alternatively, follow the news in this area on your own. Remember that the website of the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development or the European Funds website are not the only sources of information about available funds.

A banner encouraging people to sign up for the subsidy guide

Step 3 - develop an application and apply

Once you've found a program that fits your company and its needs, develop an application and submit it in the indicated manner and by the specified deadline. To do this, it is a good idea to start by carefully reading the program regulations. Then you will learn whether your company definitely qualifies from the formal side and how to draw up a detailed business plan or other necessary documentation.

I encourage you to enlist the support of advisors in the process of obtaining financing. Their experience can significantly increase your chances of success. Moreover, it will also save you many hours of work involved in wading through complicated official forms.

EU loan as an alternative to grants

EU subsidies for business development are not the only solution available. Alternatively, you may also be interested in a loan from the Union for company development.

These are preferential loans or credits granted on more favorable than market terms. In practice, this means, for example, no commission for granting financing, a symbolic interest rate on the loan or a grace period in repayment.

calculator - symbolizing the subsidy for the company

Financing for the development of a company of this type can be found in entities operating regionally. Examples are the "Silesia" Fund in Silesia or TISE, which has funds for local development. When looking for preferential loans, type the name of your region (province) into the search engine, along with the phrase "preferential loan." Also be sure to check out Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego and its offerings.

It is worth inquiring about the terms of this type of financing. Usually a loan with EU funding is easier to obtain compared to a grant. In addition, the purpose of the loan for the development of the company is often broader (freedom of spending), which is difficult with grants. This is a particularly interesting solution for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

How to increase your chances of getting EU funds for business development?

If you're interested in business development grants, it's a good idea to take certain steps today that will maximize your chances against competitors. In most grant programs, items such as:

  • innovation;
  • environmental protection;
  • Compliance with horizontal policies (gender equality, accessibility for people with disabilities).

Consider how to plan the development of your business to take into account the above issues.

In addition, see what projects have been implemented so far, for example, under regional operational programs. Some of them in a similar form will also be repeated in the coming years.

To get funding, support yourself with the knowledge and experience of specialists in the field. You will maximize the chances of success.

text "need support in writing a proposal? contact us"

You can obtain funding from many sources. Check the offer of entities such as PARP or NCBiR, among others. Also learn more about regional programs.

Finally, also remember that EU funds are not the only option for business financing. Also see traditional loans or get interested in private investors.

How to get funding for business development - summary

Obtaining financing for the development of a company is quite a complicated process, and it is worth preparing for it. The starting point is the selection of an appropriate source of financing and the development of the necessary documents (or finding a suitable program). Throughout the process, it is worth using the expertise of experts where you lack experience or in-house resources. For example, when creating a financial model in excel or a business plan.

How to get funding for business development - FAQ (questions and answers)

What are EU grants for business development?

EU grants for business development are funds that are granted by the European Union to companies that want to develop their business. They can be used for various purposes, such as investment in new technologies, development of new products or services, export development, etc.

What criteria do I need to meet to get an EU grant for business development?

A: In order to obtain an EU grant for the development of your company, you have to meet certain criteria, which depend on the grant program. These may include geographic criteria, industry criteria, company size criteria, etc. It is worth reading the documentation of the subsidy program to know the specific criteria.

What documents do I need to submit to get an EU grant for business development?

Depending on the grant program, a business plan, company financial reports, information about the project to be financed, etc. may be required. It is advisable to read the documentation of the grant program to know the required documents.

Do you have to return the EU grant for company development?

As a rule, you don't have to pay back an EU grant for business development. Depending on the grant program, the grant may be non-refundable or, in exceptional cases, partially refundable. This is usually the case if the applicant has violated the conditions for the use of the grant. It is worth reading the documentation of the subsidy program for detailed rules.

Is an EU grant for business development the only way to get financial support?

No, an EU grant for business development is only one form of support available. Others include grants from sources other than the EU, bank loans, crowdfunding or private investors.

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About the author

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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