What is the Startup Grant?

Founders with a development proposal can apply for the Startup Grant with the Vienna Business Agency. The Startup Grant will allow you to concentrate fully on your startup, give you an opportunity to acquire knowledge in an expert coaching programme, and give you a chance to engage in an exchange with other founders in the accompanying networking events.

How do I find out whether my development proposal is eligible for the Startup Grant?

Your funding expert can tell you whether your development proposal meets the formal funding requirements during a consultation. Emira Abidi, Benjamin Drosg, and Matthias Heilbrunner provide consultations on the Startup Grant.

What's the procedure for obtaining the Startup Grant?

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.

The Startup Grant is awarded to cover a founder's living expenses. For each startup idea, up to three people can participate in the Startup Grant programme. The Startup Grant is only ever awarded in combination with coaching, consultation, networking services, and participation in our Founders Lab.

When does funding begin to be paid out?

Funding is paid out only after you’ve received official approval. Your project must not start until after you have submitted the complete funding application. The Startup Grant is paid in three instalments. If you are awarded the Startup Grant, you have the possibility of receiving a monthly allowance over a period of six months. As before, however, you must not be self-employed at the time of the award. Participation in four coaching sessions and attending three networking and exchange events offered by the Vienna Business Agency is mandatory and must be completed as part of the Startup Grant programme (per startup proposal for at least one person awarded a Startup Grant).

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

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What is the maximum amount I can receive through the Startup Grant?

A maximum of 8,000 euros can be awarded per person over the duration of the six-month Startup Grant programme. For each startup proposal, up to a maximum of three people can participate in the Startup Grant programme. Ask our experts to fill you in on all the formalities before you submit an application.

Where do I submit my application for the Startup Grant?

You can submit your application for the Startup Grant 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.

What documents do I need to apply for funding under the Startup Grant?

You need to complete the entire application form online, confirm the terms and conditions of participation, and upload your certificate of residence.

Startup Grant

Do you have an idea for a new product, or are you looking to market a service or a new technology? You're all set to go into business for yourself and establish a company but need seed capital and are unfamiliar with the startup process in Austria – from creating a business plan to legal matters or marketing considerations?

Our Startup Grant provides founders with financial support over a period of 6 months, so they can focus entirely on their development proposal. Our accompanying coaching programme and workshops will show you how to give your business a solid foundation and get your startup off on the right foot. Check the conditions of participation to see whether you are eligible to apply and get the grant to get your idea off the ground.

Call us to get cost-free consultations from our team and apply for the Startup Grant to get your idea off the ground.

What is funded?

Our Startup Grant supports founders, so they can move their startup idea forward and realise their development proposal.

We provide consultations on the Startup Grant:

Emira Abidi

Startup Services

E-Mail

+43 1 25200 712

Show profile

Matthias Heilbrunner

Funding

E-Mail

+43 1 25200 424

Show profile

Benjamin Drosg

Funding

E-Mail

+43 1 25200 422

Show profile

Facts about the Startup Grant

Grant amount:	€ 8,000 per person, maximum 3 people
Terms of payment for the Startup Grant:	The Startup Grant is paid in 3 instalments: the 1^st instalment totals € 2,000, whereas the 2^nd and 3^rd instalments amount to € 3,000 each and are paid out in combination with coaching, consultation, and networking services for founders.
Coaching and networking events:	To obtain the Startup Grant, you must schedule four coaching sessions with us and participate in the networking events provided within the scope of the Startup Grant.
Who is eligible?	We provide funding to people with a startup idea who are currently not self-employed, who are not eligible to participate in the start-up programme of the Austrian Public Employment Services (AMS), and who have demonstrably had their main place of residence in Vienna for at least the past six months or a secondary residence in Vienna for at least one year (the issue date of their certificate of residence must not be older than one month).
Business sectors:	All business sectors. Important aspects are: plausibility of the startup idea, growth and scaling-up potential, innovative content, chances of commercial success, competencies of the person/team.
Grant duration:	6 months
Assessment:	A qualified team from the Vienna Business Agency will assess your submission and provide a recommendation for your participation in the Startup Grant programme.