Life!Close - The Funding for Comprehensive Local Supply
Funding for local supply businesses in Styria for investments and digitalization with funding rates of 15% (plus 5% innovation bonus) or 30%. Applications possible from 01.03.2024 to 30.06.2027.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The goal is to contribute to securing, improving, and enhancing the attractiveness of local and regional supply for the population in Styria by supporting existing or newly established local supply businesses and to strengthen regional economic cycles.
Eligible expenses
- Machinery and equipment
- Office and business equipment
- Structural measures
- Digital infrastructure (hardware and software)
- ERP/CRM systems
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Non-eligible expenses
- Used goods
- Own contributions
- Personnel costs
- Leasing financing (except purchase leasing)
- Public charges (except connection costs)
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Eligible to apply
- Companies
Funding requirements
- Goods and services for daily needs
- More than 50% turnover with private individuals
- Micro or small enterprise according to EU definition
- Company location in Styria
- No dependent employment beyond the threshold of marginal employment
Documents required for application
- Project description
- Financing and cost plan
- Business license
- De-minimis declaration
- Accessibility certificate
- Electronic signature with ID Austria
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the project
- Contribution to securing local supply
- Economic efficiency of the project
Description
Lebens!Nah is a grant program by the Styrian Business Promotion Agency (Steirische Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft mbH) for micro and small enterprises in trade, commerce, crafts, and services that offer daily necessities in Styria and generate more than 50% of their revenue from private individuals. The aim of this initiative is to preserve regional local supply structures, enhance the quality of life on site, and promote local economic cycles. Both existing and newly established local supply businesses are supported if they increase their attractiveness and secure jobs outside metropolitan areas through innovative projects and construction measures.
The Investment module funds new investments such as machinery, equipment, office and business furnishings, as well as construction measures (minimum project volume €20,000) with a 15% grant (max. €15,000 plus a 5% innovation bonus). The Digitalization module supports newly introduced hardware and software solutions, ERP/CRM systems, websites, online shops, and digital process management tools (minimum project volume €3,000) with a 30% grant (max. €2,500). Applications must be submitted online via the SFG portal with ID Austria from 01.03.2024 to 30.06.2027. Eligible expenses exclude used goods, in-house services, personnel costs, or standard IT equipment. Evaluation criteria include the degree of innovation, contribution to securing local supply, and economic efficiency. Required for application are a project description, financing and cost plan, trade license, De-minimis declaration, proof of barrier-free construction, and an electronic signature. This funding offers an attractive opportunity to modernize and digitally shape regional offerings.