EPU Funding (Single-Person Enterprises)
Time-limited start-up assistance in Vorarlberg for sole proprietorships to employ their first worker through a subsidy for wages and ancillary wage costs.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Create an incentive to overcome the initial hurdle for the growth of single-person enterprises by promoting the hiring of the first employee.
Eligible expenses
- Wages and related labor costs for the first employee
Non-eligible expenses
- Material costs
- Training costs
Eligible to apply
- Companies
Funding requirements
- Company headquarters in Vorarlberg
- Membership in the Vorarlberg Chamber of Commerce
- No employees in the last 5 years
- At least 3 months of full-time self-employment
Documents required for application
- Service contract and VGKK registration
- Trade register excerpt
- GKK confirmation of no previous employees
- Application form
Description
Single-person enterprises in Vorarlberg receive a targeted, time-limited start-up grant to hire their first employee and thus facilitate the crucial step of growth. Wage and ancillary wage costs for an employment level of at least 50% – excluding apprentices – are funded within the first 12 months after the start of employment. The measure is aimed at micro-enterprises based in Vorarlberg that are members of the Vorarlberg Economic Chamber, have not previously employed staff, and have been self-employed full-time for at least three months. By granting a non-repayable subsidy, the hurdle for initial staff expansion is to be lowered and a sustainable employment model enabled.
Funding amount and application requirements
The funding is provided as a one-time grant and is paid out after the completion of the first year of employment. Depending on full-time or part-time employment, the subsidy rates vary according to age and employment extent. Material and training costs are not eligible for funding. Prerequisites include proof of company headquarters in Vorarlberg, registration with the Vorarlberg Economic Chamber, and no employment of staff in the past five years. A written application must be submitted to the Department of General Economic Affairs of the state no later than four weeks after hiring. The application form must be accompanied by the employment contract with VGKK registration, trade register excerpt, and confirmation from the regional health insurance fund of previous employee absence. Processing is continuous as long as budget funds are available and is based on the provisions of the EU “de minimis” regulation as well as the regional funding guidelines.