Founder and startup coaching

From idea to actual startup – we'll assist you with our know-how on business plans, markets and competition, financing options, and much more. We're the experts when it comes to drawing up detailed startup roadmaps and assessing your needs in terms of consultations and qualifications. Initial consultations, the founder coaching and the startup coaching we offer are for prospective founders, founders and entrepreneurs, startups, one-person enterprises as well as micro-enterprises and newly self-employed persons who fall under the new self-employment scheme ( Neue Selbständige ) – in the pre-founding phase and up to five years after founding. Completion of an initial consultation is a prerequisite for participation in the subsequent coaching sessions for founders. Also, your business must have been founded in Vienna or already be headquartered in Vienna. Note: We offer special consultations for women entrepreneurs. In addition, we provide consultations in the language you speak. Initial consultations Startup coaching Impact coaching

Growth coaching and expansion consultations

Whether you have national or international expansion plans or wish to develop new business areas or consolidate your business relations with partners upstream or downstream of your value chain, we've got you covered. We offer strategic process and organisational development and connect you with financing partners. Our growth coaching is geared towards assisting startups and entrepreneurs up to five years after founding. To qualify, a business must have been founded in Vienna and the growth objective must be clearly defined. Note: We offer special consultations for women entrepreneurs. In addition, we can provide consultations in the language you speak on your premises . Associations and people participating in the start-up programme (UGP) of the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) are not eligible. Growth coaching Smart production Sustainable technology Social innovations

Innovation consultations for technology companies and the creative industries

We offer consultations on digital technologies, intelligent production, sustainable technologies, and for the development and implementation of social innovations. In addition, we can assist you with any issues related to new regulatory policies adopted at national, international, or EU level. Our innovation consultations are for prospective founders, founders and entrepreneurs, startups, one-person enterprises and micro-enterprises as well as new self-employed persons who fall under the new self-employment scheme (Neue Selbständige) – in the pre-founding phase, startup phase, and up to five years after founding. To qualify, a business must have been founded in Vienna or already be headquartered in Vienna. If you're looking for consultations with a focus on the creative industries or the technology sector, we're here to help. Note: We offer special consultations for women entrepreneurs. In addition, we can provide consultations in the language you speak on your premises . Smart production Sustainable technology Digital technology Social innovations Co-creation workshop Consultations on your company premises

Sustainability consultations

We're here to assist companies at any stage in developing circular products and services, in resource conservation and material efficiency, impact analyses, and logic models as well as CO 2 /methane calculations, and in your efforts to avoid rebound effects (effects through which the savings potential of efficiency improvements is not, or only partially, realised). Our sustainability consultations are for businesses in the field of energy, mobility, logistics, constructions, urban development, assistive technology, food production, facility management, architecture, climate and impact, sustainable construction, circular economy, and urban mining. Note: We offer special consultations for women entrepreneurs. In addition, we can provide consultations in your language on your premises . Sustainable technology Digital technology Life sciences Social innovations Impact coaching

Who can access the services offered by the Vienna Business Agency?

The consultations , funding , and events and workshops offered by the Vienna Business Agency are available free of charge for all businesses based in Vienna. For companies in the creative industries and those developing a new media format, we offer dedicated services like special funding and competitions , and the Media Initiative . We’ve got your back, even if you're just getting started .

Can I get funding for my creative development proposal from the Vienna Business Agency?

We provide funding to Vienna-based companies developing a new idea in their area of expertise or for their business, such as launching a new creative product. Talk to our funding experts to access the funding that's right for you.

How will the Vienna Business Agency help expand my network?

Join us at our cost-free events to meet the most important stakeholders in town. Keep up to date with our calls for participation – we regularly allocate slots for relevant events, giving you a chance to showcase your company in Vienna and on international stages.

I want to set up a new company. Does the Vienna Business Agency offer funding for that?

The Vienna Business Agency provides funding for companies in the creative industries at all stages - from start-up to expansion projects. The Vienna Media Initiative is also aimed at journalists and start-ups that are developing new media offerings . Book a consultation and get your development proposal off to a solid start.

Does the Vienna Business Agency also offer funding to established media companies?

If you want to include a new project or format in the portfolio of your media company, you've come to the right place. The Vienna Media Initiative is aimed at all media companies in the city. Apply for funding to put your media start-up or the new format of your media company on a solid footing right from the start. At our events, you can meet the most important people in the media industry in Vienna to easily expand your network or develop your idea together with other journalists.

What does the funding provided by the Vienna Business Agency actually entail?

The Vienna Business Agency funding refers to financial aid that we pay out in support of new development proposals submitted by Vienna-based businesses and founders. You can use the funding to realise projects that you may never have ventured into without this kind of support.

Who do I contact if I want to apply for funding from the Vienna Business Agency?

Get in touch with us. Check out the page that features the particular funding opportunity you're interested in to find the name of your personal funding expert.

I'm looking for an affordable commercial lease for my company. Where can I find information on that?

If you plan to make temporary use of vacant property or want to use vacant commercial units, reach out to Kreative Räume Wien . Their team will assist you in selecting the right space and provide you with information on the legal framework. If you're operating a shop or planning to open one in Vienna's 2 nd , 16 th or 20 th district, you have the option of applying for funding. If you haven't found the right premises in Ottakring yet, you can move into the street-level retail space offered by the Vienna Business Agency on a subsidised sublease .

For creative enterprises that develop new ideas.

Our offer

You’re planning a new product, design, or multimedia application? We offer suitable funding, consulting, and networking with cooperation partners.

Let's talk.

Contact us!

Email

+43 1 252 00

Consultations for creative enterprises that develop new ideas.

Funding for creative companies that develop new ideas

Creative Industry Project Funding

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What?
Funding for companies and entrepreneurs in the creative industries who are designing new products or facilitating the work of creative professionals by providing new services.

Max. funding
200,000 euros per project

Submission deadlines:
30 April, 31 August, 31 December 2026

Media Project Funding under the Vienna Media Initiative

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What?
Funding for existing media companies who are developing new media services in Vienna.

Next submission deadline
2026

Creative Industry Market Entry Funding

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What?
Funding for companies in the creative industries accessing new markets and target groups or creating new sales channels.

Max. funding
50,000 euros per project

Submission deadlines:
30 June, 31 December 2026

Content Vienna: Competition for digital design

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What?
Game developer sought: Are you working on an unfinished prototype with creative concepts in Extended Reality (XR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, or Animation?

Max. funding
5 x 10,000 euros production support

Next submission period:
2026

Creatives for Vienna: Making Spaces

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What?
Competition for creative professionals in Vienna

Max. funding
10 x 15.000 Euro

Next competition period:
2026

Innovation Funding

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What?
Funding for SMEs and entrepreneurs developing innovative new products, technologies and services.

Max. funding
300,000 euros per project

Submission deadlines:
31 December 2025, 30 April, 31 August, 31 December 2026

Vienna Quality of Life Funding

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What?
Funding for SMEs and entrepreneurs implementing new ideas for a sustainable world and a high quality of life in Vienna.

Max. funding
150,000 euros per project

Submission deadlines:
31 December 2025, 30 April, 31 August, 31 December 2026

Vienna Planet Fund

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What?
Funding for companies and entrepreneurs developing climate-friendly products, technologies and services in Vienna.

Max. funding
250,000 euros per project

Submission deadlines:
31 October 2025; 28 February 2026

Understanding Science Funding

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What?
Funding for projects that aim to explain and present topics in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and technology in an understandable way.

Max. funding
60,000 euros per project

Submission deadlines:
30 June 2026, 31 December 2026

Tech4People Funding

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What?
Funding for research and development projects that create technological solutions for a better life – in areas such as health, education, work, mobility or climate action.

Max. funding
600,000 euros per project

Submission deadlines:
31 May 2026

Förderung innovatives Handwerk und Gewerbe

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What?
Förderung für kleine Unternehmen und Gründer*innen in den Bereichen Handwerk, Nahversorgung oder Gastronomie, die innovative Produkte oder Dienstleistungen entwickeln oder neue Technologien anwenden.

Max. funding
75.000 Euro pro Projekt

Nächste Einreichstichtage:
15. April, 15. August, 31. Dezember 2026

FAQs on support for the media and creative industries in Vienna

Events & workshops for companies that develop new ideas

All Events

Deadline

Discover ViennaUP 2026

10.12.2025 - 15.03.2026

Vienna, Wien

Event

Innovation Dialogue on Energy Transition

22.01.2026

Climate Lab, Wien

Three people talking while standing_landscape format

Business-Meet

Business Treff „AI & Law“

23.01.2026

Wirtschaftsagentur Wien, Wien

Entrance to the Vienna International Center – UN Vienna. On the building: mural depicting a person a

Event

Zero Project Conference

18.02.2026 - 20.02.2026

Vienna International Center, Wien

Support for your new media format.
Vienna Media Initiative.
For media companies planning a new format and people who want to set up a new media outlet. Take advantage of the resources provided by the Vienna Media Initiative.
Funding for media companies in Vienna
Lease affordable commercial property in Vienna.
Contact Kreaitve Räume Wien if you want to make temporary use of vacant property or are interested in vacant commercial units in Vienna.
Kreative Räume Wien
The Culture & Technology Podcast.
Tune in.
Listen to the most important thought leaders in the field and learn more about the dynamics affecting culture and technology.
The Culture & Technology Podcast

Creatives in Vienna

Get inspired by what these companies achieved with support of the Vienna Business Agency.

Stories from Vienna

Creatives for Vienna – Making Spaces: The Winners 2025

“Creatives for Vienna – Making Spaces” shows how ten award-winning concepts are transforming Vienna's open spaces into lively, climate-friendly meeting places. This is making the neighborhood greener, cooler, and more community-oriented.

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Stories from Vienna

Stickladen: Stitch by Stitch into the heart of Ottakring

Textile embellishment reimagined: at Stickladen in Ottakring, young entrepreneurship meets traditional craftsmanship – proving that embroidery is anything but old-fashioned.

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Sheyn. Where 3D printing meets beautiful design

Sheyn sets new standards with sustainable 3D design. The architecture-inspired vases and home accessories are produced in Vienna and distributed globally.

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Stories from Vienna

Content Vienna 2025: the winners

Creative, digital design from Vienna

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Stories from Vienna

Biofabrique Vienna – Design from Viennese waste

In a world that is increasingly prioritising sustainability and the circular economy, Biofabrique Vienna is showcasing how unused resources can be transformed into new materials.

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Stories from Vienna

Torland Jeans – Sustainable fashion from Ottakring

Torland Jeans, 2017 in Wien von Sascha Hümbeli gegründet, steht für Nachhaltigkeit und soziale Gerechtigkeit in der Modebranche. Das Unternehmen setzt auf umweltfreundliche Materialien, faire Produktion und ein innovatives Kreislaufkonzept.

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Stories from Vienna

Lobmeyr: Wiener Glas

Die Glasmanufaktur Lobmeyr verbindet seit 200 Jahren Tradition mit Innovation und exportiert weltweit alltagstaugliches Luxusglas aus Wien.

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Stories from Vienna

Culture & Technology: Ideenwettbewerb

Wie können digitale Tools Kultureinrichtungen und Festivals unterstützen, inklusive Erlebnisse schaffen und eine einfache und moderne Kommunikation mit dem Publikum ermöglichen?

Learn more
Stories from Vienna

FANTOPLAST: Recycled design solutions take the Gewerbehof Seestadt by storm

FANTOPLAST Circular Design has found everything it was looking for in the Gewebehof in Seestadt: A place where real designer pieces are created from recycled plastic waste and where urbanity and production are thought of together!

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Stories from Vienna

Craft fueled by passion and curiosity: the Viennese studio that redefines handmade porcelain

Beloved by customers worldwide, feinedinge* produces tableware, lamps and more in their one-of-a-kind store in Vienna’s Wieden.

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Stories from Vienna

Kollektiv Kaorle: A lido for Ottakring

Kollektiv Kaorle proves that spaces create opportunity through their community project in Vienna's Ottakring.

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