Equity Growth

Equity Growth provides a targeted liability guarantee for existing debt financing to sustainably strengthen the equity base of SMEs in the tourism and leisure industry. With coverage of up to 80% of the loan volume and liability amounts between €100,000 and €750,000, the program creates financial leeway and sets strong incentives for additional equity contributions. The guarantee commitment has a term of up to ten years, with a minimum equity contribution of €125,000 required according to the liability threshold. The Austrian Hotel and Tourism Bank (OeHT) undertakes the review, approval, and risk coverage on behalf of the Federal Ministry, thereby complementing existing financing structures with attractive conditions and federally subsidized interest rates.

Eligible for funding are all small and medium-sized enterprises headquartered in Austria that belong to or seek membership in the Federal Division for Tourism and Leisure Industry of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber. Key requirements include creditworthiness and personal reliability, a valid lease agreement in operator or tenant scenarios, as well as proof of already invested equity amounting to at least €125,000. Assessment is based on credit rating, creditworthiness, and the economic viability of the project. Applications can be submitted via the OeHT customer portal from March 1, 2024, to June 30, 2028. This funding instrument offers tourism and leisure providers a long-term secured basis for entrepreneurial investments and growth initiatives.