Succession Consulting

Succession consulting in Upper Austria supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with non-repayable grants for external consulting and legal advice in planned business successions. The objective of this funding is to accompany takeover projects, preserve or create jobs, and secure long-term competitiveness. Funding is provided to SMEs that are members of the Upper Austrian Chamber of Commerce (or become members), demonstrate a verifiable need for consulting related to a business succession, and whose takeover project is located in the region. With a funding rate of 100%, expenses for external consulting (Module 1) as well as for succession legal advice provided by the Upper Austrian Chamber of Commerce (Module 2) are covered. The funding period extends from 01.01.2024 to 31.12.2026, thus offering sufficient scope for professional support throughout all phases of the transfer.

Prerequisites for a successful application include belonging to the SME segment according to the EU definition, active membership in the Upper Austrian Chamber of Commerce, and the planning or implementation of a succession project in Upper Austria. The successor must not have been continuously self-employed in the same industry during the six years prior to the takeover. In the case of companies, a minimum shareholding of 25% and the assumption of management responsibility are also required. Module 2 requires a personal contribution of at least €125. The submission of the funding application is possible until 31.12.2026; disbursement occurs after positive review by the Upper Austrian Chamber of Commerce. Interested companies thus receive incentives for sustainable growth and solid safeguarding of the business location.