Cooperation Funding (NÖWTF)
The cooperation funding supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in joint projects aimed at qualification, productivity enhancement, and innovation capacity. Grant up to €20,000 per partner (50% funding rate). Applications can be submitted until 31.12.2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The "cooperation funding" specifically supports collaborations between small or medium-sized enterprises – but also along the value chain – with the aim of qualification as well as increasing productivity and innovative capacity. The funding initiative seeks to achieve a sustainable improvement in operational and regional competitiveness, as well as the strategic and target group-oriented alignment of companies, through the enhancement of internal know-how.
Eligible expenses
- External consulting services
- Personnel costs
- Overhead costs
Non-eligible expenses
- Discounts and rebates
- Value-added tax (VAT deductible)
- Invoices under €200
- Cash payments over €5,000
- Financing costs
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Eligible to apply
- Companies
Funding requirements
- Companies from the commercial sector
- At least three partners in the cooperation project
- Projects in line with the strategies of the state of Lower Austria
Documents required for application
- Application via the Economic Development Portal
- Project Description
- Overall Cost Breakdown
- Annual Financial Statement/Balance Sheet of the Last Fiscal Year
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the project
- Sustainability aspects
- Increase in competitiveness
- Qualification benefits
Description
The cooperation funding of the Lower Austrian Economic and Tourism Fund is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises based in Lower Austria that implement a cooperation project together with at least two other partners. Projects that contribute to qualification, productivity enhancement, and innovation strength and are in line with the strategies of the state of Lower Austria are funded. The focus is on research & innovation as well as digitalization. Grants of up to €20,000 per partner (maximum 50% of eligible costs) particularly support external consulting services, personnel costs, and overhead costs. Non-eligible costs include, among others, travel expenses, patent costs, as well as administrative and general consulting services. Applications must be submitted via the economic promotion portal by no later than 31.12.2026 and must include a project description, a total cost breakdown, and annual financial statements of the last business years.
This funding initiative aims to sustainably increase operational and regional competitiveness. By linking along the value chain, new cooperation models can emerge and in-house know-how can be specifically expanded. Submitted projects are evaluated based on criteria such as degree of innovation, sustainability aspects, competitiveness, and qualification benefits. Successful projects benefit not only from financial relief but also from close support by the funding agency. This is intended to strengthen the strategic orientation of the companies and lay the foundation for long-term growth. Interested companies are encouraged to review the funding area early and submit an application via the economic promotion portal.
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