Lively Neighborhood
Funding for small businesses and business founders in Vienna to strengthen local supply through investments in ground-floor retail spaces. Applications can be submitted from 01.03.2026 to 31.12.2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Strengthening local supply and enhancing the ground floor zone in Vienna through investments in structural measures, digitalization, and business equipment. The goal is to improve the diversity of offerings and quality of life in the neighborhood, revitalize vacant commercial premises, and promote economically and ecologically sustainable business models.
Eligible expenses
- Structural measures
- Technical systems and equipment
- External services
- Digitization measures
- Office furnishings and equipment
Non-eligible expenses
- Rental costs
- Ongoing business operations
- Taxes and fees
- Acquisition of land and buildings
- Redemptions
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Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Founders
Funding requirements
- Companies with fewer than 50 employees
- Business premises on the ground floor level
- Regular customer traffic
- Minimum project volume of 7,500 euros
Documents required for application
- Application confirmation
- De Minimis declaration
- Annual financial statement or income/expenditure statement
- Cost estimates from 10,000 euros
- Vacancy confirmation (for vacancy projects)
- Purchase or rental contract or contract draft
- Current photos of the vacant premises
Evaluation criteria
- Economic sustainability
- Enhancement of the neighborhood
- Degree of digitalization
- Relevance for local supply
Description
The funding program Lebendiges Grätzl of the Vienna Business Agency is aimed at small Viennese businesses and business founders with a local supply function, who offer end-customer-related products or services in ground-floor commercial premises. The goal is to enhance the ground-floor zone through structural renovations, digitization initiatives, and modern business equipment. With a funding amount of up to €20,000, measures are supported that increase the diversity of offerings and quality of life in the neighborhood as well as revitalize vacant premises. The funding promotes economically and ecologically sustainable business models, strengthens the local shopping infrastructure, and contributes to the revitalization of public street areas throughout Vienna. Applications can be submitted continuously between March 1 and December 31, 2026, and projects may last up to 24 months.
Eligible are businesses with fewer than 50 employees, whose minimum project volume is €7,500, and that have regular customer traffic. The funding rate ranges between 25% and 35%, especially for vacancy projects or projects in Ottakring. Among others, the following are funded:
- Structural measures (facade, windows, accessibility)
- Technical systems and digital solutions (inventory management, online shops)
- External services (planning, consulting, digitization)
- Business furnishings and equipment
Non-eligible costs include rent, ongoing operations, taxes, land acquisition, or fossil-fueled equipment. Required for the application are, among others, application confirmation, De-Minimis declaration, annual financial statements, and cost estimates. An independent jury evaluates submissions based on economic sustainability, degree of digitization, and contribution to local supply. This program offers a valuable opportunity to sustainably revitalize Viennese neighborhoods and strengthen regional economic cycles.
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