Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

What's the procedure for obtaining Media Start Funding under the Vienna Media Initiative?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Who is eligible?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

What is funded?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

What is the maximum amount of funding I can receive?

Accepted Answer

10,000 euros per development proposal is the maximum amount awarded under the Media Start 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.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Your development proposal must be worth at least 2,000 euros to qualify for Media Start Funding under the Vienna Media Initiative.

Question 8

What is a funding rate?

Accepted Answer

The funding rate is the percentage of a development proposal's eligible costs that will be financed. The funding rate varies depending on the type of funding. To give you an example: If the funding rate is 75% and we recognise 10,000 euros as your development proposal costs, the Vienna Business Agency will pay 7,500 euros. Media Start Funding under the Vienna Media Initiative has a funding rate of 75%.

Question 9

Where do I submit an application for Media Start Funding under the Vienna Media Initiative?

Accepted Answer

You can submit your funding application 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 "New application". Funding accounts will also be settled via our online system.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

What can I do to make my project more professional?

Accepted Answer

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.

Maximum funding amount :	10,000 euros per project
Funding rate:	75%
Minimum project value:	2,000 euros
Who is eligible?	Small media companies and self-employed journalists.
Eligible costs:	Costs for external services, training and professional development, courses and consultations, internal payroll costs, and travel expenses.
Maximum project duration:	1.5 years
Assessment:	An independent jury will assess your submission and provide a recommendation for your development proposal's funding.
Upfront payment:	Up to a maximum of 50% of the approved funding amount can be paid up front.
Documents for your submission to receive Media Start Funding under the Vienna Media Initiative:	A duly completed online funding application, an application authenticity certificate along with a de minimis declaration, and your latest financial accounts, and/or an income statement.
Legal basis under European state aid law:	De-minimis

Media Start Funding under the Vienna Media Initiative

What is funded?

We provide consultations on Media Start Funding under the Vienna Media Initiative:

Facts about Vienna Media Initiative – Media Start Funding

Typical steps when applying for Media Start Funding under the Vienna Media Initiative

Questions and answers related to Media Start Funding under the Vienna Media Initiative

Events & workshops

Deadlines and submission