Start!Clear plus
Funding for innovative Styrian startups (registered in the commercial register ≤5 years) to prepare for the first financing round. Applications possible until 30.06.2027.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
This funding initiative aims to facilitate market entry for startups with above-average growth potential and to prepare them for national and international investor discussions by supporting development projects prior to the first financing round.
Eligible expenses
- Internal personnel costs
- External consulting costs
- Investment and material costs
- Costs for the use of R&D infrastructure
Eligible to apply
- Companies
Funding requirements
- Start-up: Registration in the commercial register ≤5 years, no distribution of profits, no merger, founders with ≥25% ownership
- Innovation: Development of new or significantly improved products/services or R&D costs ≥10% of operating expenses or received research premium
- Implementation capability: Core competencies present within the company, not outsourced
- Growth potential: Proof of revenue increase and employee growth opportunities
- Financing requirement: first financing round (at least €50,000) within 12 months after funding approval
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Documents required for application
- Online application via the SFG portal
- additional documents according to the SFG website
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the project
- Growth potential
- Quality of preparation for the funding round
Description
Start!Klar plus supports innovative Styrian startups that have been registered in the commercial register for a maximum of five years in preparing their first financing round. The aim of this measure is to facilitate market entry for promising new companies and to prepare them for national and international investor discussions. Funded are development projects that create essential economic, legal, and technological foundations for growth – including, among others, product and service development, production transfer, market analyses, as well as professional coaching and consulting. The funding is granted as a non-repayable grant and covers up to 80% of eligible costs, but no more than €100,000 per project.
Eligible to participate are micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises that meet the EU SME definition and whose founders hold at least 25% ownership. Requirements include demonstrated innovation potential (e.g., R&D costs ≥ 10% of operating expenses or already received research premium), clear growth forecasts for revenue and personnel, as well as a concrete financing need of at least €50,000 for the first round within twelve months after approval of funding. Eligible expenses include internal personnel costs, external consulting, investment and material costs, as well as the use of R&D infrastructure. Applications must be submitted online via the SFG portal before project start and are possible until June 30, 2027. Evaluation is based on the level of innovation, growth potential, and the quality of financing preparation.
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