Broadband Funding for Companies (SMEs)

The broadband funding in Vorarlberg is aimed at micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the commercial sector that hold a valid business license and are members of the Vorarlberg Chamber of Commerce. Funding is provided for the installation of high-performance fiber optic connections from the last network node into the business premises. Subsidies cover passive components, fiber optic cables including empty conduits, as well as excavation and civil engineering works. The funding rate is 50% of the verified investment costs for micro and small enterprises and 30% for medium-sized enterprises, with a maximum of €15,000 and €30,000 per location, respectively. Investments must comply with the current state of technology and allow shared use of the fibers by third parties. License fees, ongoing costs, and active network technical elements are excluded. The minimum eligible expenditure is €3,000 (micro/small enterprises) and €10,000 (medium enterprises).

An application must be submitted electronically at any time before the project start and requires a detailed project description, a precise cost breakdown, and a current company register or trade register excerpt. The measure aims to establish a comprehensive, sustainable broadband infrastructure in all regions of the state, thereby strengthening competitiveness and digitized business processes in the regional economy. The non-repayable funding is based on the EU De Minimis Regulation and is administered by the Office of the Vorarlberg State Government, Department of General Economic Affairs. Applications can be submitted continuously until further notice.