CORE.Invest
Funding for micro and small enterprises in Carinthia with eligible project costs starting from EUR 50,000. Non-repayable grant of up to 10% of eligible costs, maximum EUR 30,000. Application period 05.05.2026–31.12.2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
This product supports investments that directly serve the core process, the main (service) delivery of a company. The goal is to improve the value creation process as well as to sustainably increase quality and efficiency in operations.
Eligible expenses
- Production machinery and equipment including incidental acquisition costs
- Work tools, instruments, fixtures, measurement and testing technology
- Automation and digitization solutions (ERP, CAD/CAM)
- Specific operational and business equipment (storage, order picking technology, cash register systems)
- Trade-specific software solutions
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Non-eligible expenses
- Used assets
- Assets with police registration or road approval (except work equipment)
- Investments not serving the core process
Eligible to apply
- Companies
Funding requirements
- Investment location in Carinthia
- Gross sales/revenue over EUR 100,000
- Membership in the Carinthian Chamber of Commerce or the Chamber of Architects and Consulting Engineers for Styria and Carinthia
Documents required for application
- Online application via the KWF portal
- Project description
- Cost evidence and financing plan
- Proof of membership in the Chamber of Commerce
- Final or income-expenditure statement of the last fiscal years
Evaluation criteria
- Contribution to the improvement of the core process
- Sustainability and efficiency enhancement
- Availability of budget funds
Description
The KERN.Invest program of the Carinthian Economic Promotion Fund is aimed at micro and small enterprises located in Carinthia that wish to sustainably optimize their core business processes. Funding is provided for new investments in production machinery, work equipment, automation and digitalization solutions (e.g., ERP, CAD/CAM), specific operational and business equipment, as well as industry-specific software solutions. A minimum project volume of EUR 50,000 net and membership in the Carinthian Chamber of Commerce or the Chamber of Architects and Consulting Engineers for Styria and Carinthia are required. Revenue or operating income from the last completed financial year must exceed EUR 100,000 gross. Within the framework of the program, eligible costs are supported with a non-repayable grant of 10%, with the maximum funding amount not exceeding EUR 30,000.
KERN.Invest aims to increase quality and efficiency in service delivery and to improve the value creation process within the company. Applications can only be submitted online via the KWF portal and must be made before the project start; the duration of the measures is a maximum of twelve months. Approval is subject to available budget funds during the application period from May 5 to December 31, 2026. Evaluation criteria include, in particular, the contribution to optimizing the core business, sustainability and efficiency improvements, as well as the provision of the required financial resources. Through this funding, companies can specifically invest in modern technologies and digital processes to sustainably strengthen their competitiveness at the Carinthian business location.
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