Gastro Funding

The gastronomy funding program of the State of Upper Austria supports small gastronomic businesses with non-repayable grants and interest subsidies for investment projects that contribute to maintaining and improving local supply for the population of Upper Austria. Eligible expenses include planning and consulting services, structural measures (conversion, expansion, and new construction), the acquisition of operational and business equipment, as well as the takeover of existing businesses. The program is valid until 31.12.2026 and targets enterprises with a maximum of 15 full-time equivalent employees at the investment location and no more than seven business locations in total. Investment priorities focus on the establishment, modernization, quality enhancement, and expansion of offerings in gastronomic establishments.

Eligible applicants are legal entities and natural persons holding an active and valid trade license to operate a gastronomic business; sole proprietorships must possess EU citizenship. Additionally, year-round operation of at least nine months per year must be demonstrated, as well as entrepreneurial independence in franchise or system gastronomy concepts. A coherent project plan including cost, financing, and schedule details must be attached to the application. The funding application must be submitted electronically via the Upper Austria Economic Portal before the project commences. Following formal review and positive evaluation by the Department of Economy and Research at the Office of the Upper Austrian State Government, the disbursement is made as a non-repayable grant. This offer contributes to the sustainable strengthening of the regional gastronomy infrastructure and the securing of local supply throughout the entire federal state.