Funding of projects to strengthen Austrian foreign trade

The funding is aimed at companies, start-ups, founders, as well as non-profit and public institutions based throughout Austria that wish to expand their international activities and digital processes. Projects that strengthen the framework conditions of Austrian foreign trade and effectively position Austrian providers in the global competition are supported. A special focus is placed on initiatives that increase the degree of digitalization in the economy, administration, and society – from the implementation of new IT solutions to the development of digital export platforms and automated data analysis for cross-border business models. The submission of a legally signed funding application with a detailed cost calculation, comprehensive project description, and financing plan is possible at any time; retroactive funding for already initiated measures is excluded. Furthermore, approval requires securing the total financing as well as acceptance of the General Framework Guidelines for Funding from Federal Funds (ARR 2014).

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) benefit just as much as established large companies from this grant measure, which is flexibly accessible and has no exclusion deadlines. The responsible Section I of the Federal Ministry for Economy, Energy and Tourism continuously reviews applications and grants financial support within the framework of available federal funds. This instrument co-finances selected measures such as the use of digital marketing tools in the target country, participation in international trade fairs, or the development of cloud-based export solutions. By promoting international and digital projects, the innovative strength of domestic companies is to be sustainably increased in the long term and Austria’s foreign trade sustainably strengthened.