Follow-up Funding ÖHT – Young Entrepreneur Support (NÖWTF)

The Follow-up Funding ÖHT – Young Entrepreneurs Funding (NÖWTF) is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises in the tourism and leisure industry in Lower Austria that have already received federal funding under the Young Entrepreneurs Directive of the same amount. Investments in capital goods with a project volume of up to €500,000 are eligible for funding. The grant amounts to up to 7.5% (max. €37,500) for small enterprises and 5% (max. €25,000) for medium-sized enterprises. This aims to support innovative, future-oriented investments and sustainably strengthen the competitiveness of small and medium-sized businesses. The funding is provided as follow-up funding by the Lower Austrian Economic and Tourism Fund in cooperation with the Austrian Hotel and Tourism Bank (ÖHT). Applications can be submitted online via the ÖHT customer portal continuously until 31.12.2026. A prerequisite is the granting of the corresponding federal funding as well as relevant activity in the tourism and leisure sector.

This measure is classified as direct grant funding and significantly contributes to revitalizing the regional economic location of Lower Austria. All expenses for capital goods serving the purpose of the project are eligible for funding. The eligible amount is calculated and paid out after submission of the funding application via the ÖHT customer portal based on clearly defined documentation. Small and medium-sized enterprises benefit from a manageable funding rate that provides planning security and facilitates investment decisions. The online application includes an informal application containing the project description, cost plan, and proof of federal funding. Applications can still be submitted until the deadline on 31.12.2026 to invest in capital goods and further expand the regional tourism infrastructure by that date.