How do I find out whether my development proposal is eligible for funding?

Your funding expert can tell you whether your development proposal meets the formal funding requirements during a consultation. Elisabeth Kuntner and Carina Trafoier provide consultations on Media Project Funding under the Vienna Media Initiative.

What's the procedure for receiving Media Project Funding under the Vienna Media Initiative?

To receive funding, you will need to submit a funding application. Consult with your funding expert to get the information you need, submit your application online, and – this is important – don't make any investments until after you've submitted a complete application. This is because the Vienna Business Agency provides funding only for development proposals that start after submission of the application.

Media Project Funding under the Vienna Media Initiative supports existing small, medium and large media companies in Vienna, as well as media companies in the process of being founded (you can found your company up to six months after the funding decision).

Media Project Funding under the Vienna Media Initiative is provided to pay for internal payroll costs, courses and professional development programmes, as well as consultation costs and travel expenses. Your project should be an innovation in the market or for your company. The Vienna Business Agency provides funding to support business projects and not day-to-day operating costs. Make the cost calculation for your development proposal as detailed as possible.

When will I find out whether my development proposal will be funded?

The decision is made by a jury based on well-defined assessment criteria. Generally, it takes around two months to find out whether your development proposal will receive funding.

What is the maximum amount of funding I can receive?

100,000 euros per development proposal is the maximum amount awarded under the Media Project Funding. The maximum funding amounts vary depending on the type of funding. Ask your funding expert about the funding details before you submit your application.

What is the minimum value my development proposal must have to qualify for funding?

Your development proposal must be worth at least 10,000 euros to qualify for Media Project Funding under the Vienna Media Initiative.

What is a funding rate?

The funding rate is the percentage of a development proposal's eligible costs that will be funded. The funding rate varies depending on the type of funding. To give you an example: If the funding rate is 50% and we recognise 100,000 as your project costs, the Vienna Business Agency will pay 50,000 euros. The maximum funding rate for Media Project Funding under the Vienna Media Initiative is 60%.

Where do I submit my application for Media Project Funding under the Vienna Media Initiative?

You can submit your application for funding via our online portal – it's convenient and always available. To do so, you must register on our website and create a profile. In your profile, select "My Submissions" and "Submit now". We also settle funding accounts online in our system.

What documents do I need to apply for Media Project Funding under the Vienna Media Initiative?

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What can I do to make my development proposal more professional?

Media Project Funding under the Vienna Media Initiative supports project teams that already receive funding under the Vienna Media Initiative Lab to further professionalise their development proposal. Journalists who receive funding are invited to attend a compact workshop programme. The purpose of this programme is to define target groups more precisely, to refine your business model, and to expand your network.

Can partnership applications be submitted for Media Project Funding?

Yes, partnership applications are possible. In case of a partnership submission, two companies or organisations submit a joint funding application. The lead company submitting the application is responsible for allocating the respective share of the funding amount granted to its partners.

Media Project Funding under the Vienna Media Initiative

Are you planning to create a high-quality, new media project in Vienna? If you’re in the process of founding a media company or already running an established media company, apply for our Media Project Funding under the Vienna Media Initiative. Book cost-free consultations with us to learn more. Please note: You can also apply for this funding if your media company is looking to develop economically sustainable services.

What is funded?

We provide Media Project Funding under the Vienna Media Initiative to assist you in developing new media services in Vienna. You can apply for funding to help cover costs for training and professional development, courses and consultations, internal payroll costs, and travel expenses.

Facts about the Media Project Funding under the Vienna Media Initiative

Maximum funding amount:	100,000 euros per project
Funding rates:	60% for media companies in the process of being founded, and 45% for existing media companies.
Minimum project value:	10,000 euros
Who is eligible?	Existing media companies and media companies in the process of being founded as well as associations in Vienna.
Bonus:	Women's bonus: 10,000 euros. The women's bonus is awarded if your development proposal is managed by a woman with the necessary qualifications.
Business sectors:	Media Project Funding under the Vienna Media Initiative is meant for existing media companies and media companies in the process of being founded.
Eligible costs:	Internal payroll costs, courses, and professional development programmes as well as consultation costs or travel expenses.
Maximum project duration:	2 years
Documents for your application to receive Media Project Funding under the Vienna Media Initiative:	A duly completed online funding application, an application authenticity certificate along with a de minimis declaration, your latest financial accounts, and/or an income statement.
Upfront payment:	Up to a maximum of 50% of the approved funding amount can be paid up front. Don't forget to your biannual progress report on your development proposal.
Assessment:	An independent jury will assess your submission and provide a recommendation for your development proposal's funding.
Submission:	You can apply for Media Project Funding under the Vienna Media Initiative on our online portal anytime.
Legal basis under European state aid law:	De-minimis
Submission deadlines:	30 April, 31 October 2025