Start!Klar
Starting a business – you get started, we pay.
Starting a business—a risk, an opportunity, a lifelong dream
The move toward self-employment brings opportunities, challenges, and risks. Every year, 4,000 people in Styria decide to take the plunge. Being passionate about a vision, tackling something new, bringing a business idea to life, having the freedom to work your own way, and enjoying flexible hours: these are just a few good reasons to become an entrepreneur.
A laptop with software for the entrepreneur who’s tinkering with artificial intelligence programs—making our daily work easier. State-of-the-art laboratory equipment so that the entrepreneur can develop products that help people with physical and mental health issues. Research equipment to make the vision of one day living on other planets a reality: The SFG has already funded these and many other investments with a grant of up to 25 percent. What do you need?
Questions? Experts have the answers.
Starting a business requires not only investment but also expertise. Does your company need a name? Are you unsure about taxes and social security…? Are you worried that competitors might copy your high-tech idea? The best way to answer all these questions is to consult professionals. The SFG covers half of your consulting costs in the areas of business administration, law, innovation, technology and digitalization, manufacturing and market transition, and/or organizational and business model development.
- For whom?
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- innovative micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises
- Companies that were founded up to 5 years prior to the submission of the application.
- The founder must hold a direct stake of at least 25 percent and demonstrate that he or she holds an operational and managerial position.
- The company must develop products, services, or processes that are new or represent a significant improvement over those of its competitors.
- locations in Styria
- For whom not?
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- large companies
- retail companies
- entrepreneurs who are employed on a non-self-employed basis beyond the threshold for “minor employment” (in addition to their self-employment)
- companies outside the SFG target group
- For what?
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- investments in machinery and equipment, office and business supplies, and digital initiatives
- How much?
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- up to 25% of eligible project costs, based on the following breakdown: 20% base funding + 5% regional bonus for locations outside of Graz
- maximum of 150,000 euros in eligible project costs
- maximum grant of 37,500 euros per application
- Important hints
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- The grant application must be submitted BEFORE the project begins. Only costs incurred after the application is received are eligible for funding.
- The following documents (in German) must be included with the grant application: business plan, résumés (of all founding members of the startup), and a current insurance history covering at least the last five years (for all founding members of the startup)
- The effective date is the day you submit your grant application, even if you have not yet received a grant award at the start of the project.
- The grant will be paid out after the project ends, that is, after the measures have been completed.
- project budget of at least 5,000 euros
Funding process
- advise
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You’re planning a project. For what types of expenses does the SFG offer grants? Pick up the phone and ask our experts. We’d be happy to set aside time for a personal consultation.
- apply for
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Submit your application online through our Portal!
Important: Submit your application before you begin your project!
- review the application
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We’ll take a close look at your project.
- announce the billing cutoff date
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We will notify you of your official credit assessment date.
- start the project
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Start your project as soon as you receive a credit date from us.
- approve the funding
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If we are able to support you, you will receive your grant agreement. If your project is not eligible for funding, we will notify you in writing.
- complete the project
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Now it’s your turn again: Complete your project.
Important: Please contact us right away if anything changes.
We wish you the best of luck! - submit invoices
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Please send us your billing documents.
You will receive a checklist in plenty of time to help you compile the documents. - review invoices
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We will review your billing documents.
- pay out
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If all eligibility requirements are met, we will transfer the funds to your account.
- meet the requirements
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Now all you have to do is meet your requirements (e.g., retention period, employment requirement). You can find our forms for providing proof under “Downloads.”
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