Grants 2025 for business - introduction
The year 2025 brings a number of opportunities for Polish entrepreneurs to obtain financing for the development of their businesses. Both EU funds and national government programs offer support for a variety of initiatives, from innovation and digitization to ecology and regional development. In this article, we provide an overview of the most important grant programs available in 2025.
European Funds for a Modern Economy (FENG)
FENG is one of the key EU programs that offers a wide range of subsidies for businesses. Under the FENG, you can apply for support for, among other things:
- Innovation: The SMART Path is a program aimed at companies planning to implement innovative solutions on at least a national scale. Funding covers both R&D work and implementation of its results. The program's budget is several hundred million zlotys.
- Digitization: The DIG.it - Digital Transformation of Polish SMEs program supports investments in digital technologies, such as process automation, e-commerce, artificial intelligence or cyber security. The operator of the program is the Industrial Development Agency S.A.
- Internationalization: Companies planning to expand into foreign markets can take advantage of a program that offers funding for participation in international fairs, trade missions or the creation of distribution networks.
- Competency Development: The FENG also provides funds for upgrading employees' skills, including training, postgraduate studies and mentoring.
European Funds for Eastern Poland (FEPW).
FEPW is a program dedicated to entrepreneurs from the Lubelskie, Podkarpackie, Podlaskie, Świętokrzyskie and Warmińsko-Mazurskie provinces. Support under FEPW focuses on:
- Regional Development: Grants for investment in infrastructure, job creation and the development of local businesses.
- Innovations: Support for companies implementing innovative technologies and products.
- Tourism: Funding to develop tourism infrastructure and promote the region.
European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate and Environment (FEnIKS)
FEnIKS is a program aimed at investments in environmental protection, energy efficiency and infrastructure development. Under FEnIKS, entrepreneurs can apply for funding for, among other things:
- RES: Photovoltaic installations, wind turbines, biogas plants.
- Thermal modernization: Improving the energy efficiency of buildings.
- Waste Management: Construction of waste treatment facilities.
- Water and air protection: Investment in wastewater treatment plants, reduction of pollutant emissions.
National government programs
In addition to EU funds, entrepreneurs can also benefit from national programs such as:
- Environmental Credit: The program offers non-refundable grants for environmentally friendly investments that will reduce energy consumption by at least 30%. The maximum subsidy is 80% of eligible costs, and the minimum project value is PLN 2 million. The current call for applications runs until the end of January 2025.
- Grants for GOZ business models: The program targets entrepreneurs in the closed-loop economy (GOZ) sector. Support includes, among other things, development of innovative products and services, implementation of recycling and recovery technologies.
- Subsidies for starting a business: Unemployed people can apply for grants from labor offices to start their own businesses. The amount of the subsidy is about PLN 30,000-40,000.
Other possibilities
Remember that the above-mentioned programs are not all the subsidies available in Poland in 2025. There are and will be many more programs. Subsidies are also regional (provincial) programs. In addition, there are many entities other than the European Union that offer financial support. For example, these include the Social Security Administration (a program to increase job security) or the Visegrad Group (cross-border cooperation). Farmers can take advantage of the many programs offered by the ARMA. The possibilities are indeed many.
In addition, grants are not the only way to finance the development of the company. Don't forget about loans or private investors. Private loans are not only financial instruments available from commercial banks. Also be interested in EU loans or the "Support for Takeoff" program, which de facto can be a partial subsidy. Private investors, on the other hand, can also be an interesting solution, often better suited than grants. It all depends on your individual needs and capabilities.
How to find the right funding?
Finding the right subsidy program can be time-consuming and require a lot of effort. Here are some tips to make the process easier:
- Define your needs: Determine what purpose you need funding for and what your priorities are.
- Conduct research: Familiarize yourself with the available programs and make sure you meet the eligibility criteria - read the regulations and other documentation carefully.
- Get help from advisors: Contact the European Funds Information Point or another institution that offers advice on grants.
- Prepare a solid proposal: Make sure your application is complete and meets all formal requirements.
Summary
The year 2025 is a good time to get funding for business development. A wide range of EU and national programs offer support for a variety of initiatives. The key to success is to carefully review the available opportunities and choose the program that best suits the needs of your business. Remember that grants are not only a chance to raise additional funds, but also a boost for growth and innovation.
