Equity Initiative – Fresh Capital for Growth Projects

The Participation Initiative – Fresh Capital for Growth Projects of the Styrian Economic Development Corporation mbH (SFG) is aimed at growth-oriented micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises from production, services, and trade with headquarters or operations in Styria. Prerequisites include accounting-obligated companies according to §§ 189 ff UGB, a sustainably established business model with positive annual results, and a qualified management team. The objective is the full financing of investments, research and development projects, market expansions, and working capital needs through a typical silent partnership. This approach aims to strengthen the competitiveness of the companies and create additional high-quality employment potential without changing ownership structures. Up to €250,000 in silent contributions are available per individual project, with the participation amount being at least €20,000 and at most twice the adjusted balance sheet equity. The full financing of the overall project must be secured at the time of approval.

The term of the silent partnership is tailored individually to the client (maximum 120 months), optionally with a repayment-free period of up to two years, and is disbursed semi-annually in tranches according to agreed milestones. For the provided capital, the SFG receives a fixed profit share of 2.5% p.a. as well as a performance-based additional remuneration of 1% p.a. in case of a positive annual result. No operational securities are required; instead, shareholders provide a personal guarantee amounting to 50% of the participation. One-time processing fees and ongoing management commissions are each defined in the contractual documents. Applications are submitted paperlessly via the SFG portal, including all required documents (e.g., De-minimis declaration, project and implementation plan, annual financial statements, CVs). Applications can be submitted until June 30, 2027.