Upper Austria Founder Fund with the program line "Start-Up Investments"

The Upper Austrian Founders Fund – "Start-Up Participations" supports founders and successors of small businesses in Upper Austria through a silent equity participation ranging from €20,000 to €75,000. The program aims to strengthen the equity base of young SMEs and thereby facilitate access to external financing. Applications can be submitted until 31 December 2025. Eligible expenses include tangible and intangible investments (tax-deductible), working capital, as well as start-up costs for the first half-year of operations. The term is agreed upon individually, with a minimum of 60 and a maximum of 120 months, during which no repayment installments are due in the first half. Additionally, loan guarantees can be obtained through the Upper Austrian Credit Guarantee Company, with the guarantee costs for the first three years covered by the Founders Fund.

Eligible participants are small enterprises headquartered in Upper Austria that qualify as young entrepreneurs (founding or takeover no more than six years ago) and whose owners fully relinquish their previous dependent employment. A written business plan and an equity share of at least 30% of the intended participation are required. Applications are submitted via the applicant’s house bank or directly to the Upper Austrian Business Participation Company Ltd. A one-time processing fee and annual administrative costs are charged. By combining equity and optional guarantees, a balanced financing mix is created that sustainably improves both creditworthiness and growth prospects.