Media Start 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 Start Funding under the Vienna Media Initiative supports small media companies and self-employed journalists. A special focus is on the journalistic quality and the novelty of your media format.

Media Start Funding under the Vienna Media Initiative is provided to cover costs for training and professional development, courses and consultation, internal payroll costs, and travel expenses.

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

You are required to submit a duly completed funding application along with an application confirmation certifying that the information you have provided is true and accurate. Our online system automatically generates this application confirmation as soon as you have finished completing the application form. You will also be required to provide a de minimis declaration, your latest financial statements, and/or an income statement.

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