Deadline Date: February 28, 2026
Do you have an idea for a new product, want to launch a service, or introduce a new technology? Are you ready to turn your idea into your own business? The start-up grant provides six months of financial support and coaching to help you realize your vision.
The focus areas and priorities of the program include offering financial support to help founders further develop and realize innovative and growth‑oriented start‑up ideas, providing coaching sessions and networking events as part of the grant conditions, and requiring participants to engage in structured support through the Founders Lab incubator program to strengthen business foundations and entrepreneurial skills.
The Start‑Up Grant provides eligible applicants with €8,000 per person, with support for up to three team members, distributed in three installments over the six‑month grant period. The first installment totals €2,000, and the second and third installments of €3,000 each are linked to participation in coaching, consulting, and networking services that aim to prepare founders for the launch and growth of their business.
To qualify for funding, applicants must have an innovative and scalable business idea and not be currently engaged in self‑employment or participating in the Public Employment Service’s start‑up program. Applicants must also not be receiving monetary benefits from the Austrian Public Employment Service and must demonstrate residency in Vienna for a specified minimum period.
The program welcomes proposals from all industries, with assessment criteria focused on the plausibility of the business idea, its growth and scaling potential, innovative content, prospects for economic success, and the competencies of the applicant or team. A qualified team from the Vienna Business Agency evaluates submissions and recommends successful applicants for participation in the start‑up grant program.
For more information, visit Vienna Business Agency.
