Circular ERDF.Invest

The funding program Circular EFRE.Invest supports small and medium-sized enterprises with investment locations in Carinthia in resource-efficient circular economy projects. Investment projects with a total volume of EUR 300,000 or more are eligible for funding – ranging from the development and production of sustainable products to circular business models and technologies, as well as collection, processing, and recycling. With funds from the Carinthian Economic Promotion Fund (KWF) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), a total of EUR 2.4 million is available for the program. The funding is provided as a non-repayable grant amounting to 25% (for medium-sized enterprises) or 35% (for small enterprises) of eligible costs. Eligible expenses include tangible and intangible fixed assets, machinery and mechanical equipment, construction measures, as well as operational and business equipment. Used investment goods, leasing-financed projects, and goodwill are excluded.

Key evaluation criteria include the degree of innovation, digitalization concepts, growth potential, as well as regional significance and ecological sustainability, taking into account gender equality. Eligible applicants are SMEs from the sectors of goods production, trade, crafts, and business-related services. Submission of documents – consisting of a questionnaire on horizontal principles and a detailed project description – must take place before the project start. The program runs from January 5, 2026, to December 31, 2027. Prior consultation with the KWF is recommended before application to ensure an optimal funding rate and budget reservation. The structured funding aims to increase the use of renewable raw materials, reduce resource consumption through reuse, and establish circular technologies in Carinthia.