Growth!Step 2021-2027 - Funding for Innovative Investments in SMEs
Investment promotion for SMEs in Styria: construction, machinery, equipment, and digitalization with up to 30% subsidy. Minimum project volume €300,000. Applications possible online until 30.06.2027.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Support for resource-efficient, innovative investments in micro, small, and medium-sized manufacturing and service enterprises in Styria to strengthen competitiveness, create and secure jobs, and promote digital and green transformation.
Eligible expenses
- Construction measures
- Machinery and mechanical equipment
- Operating and business equipment
- Intangible investments
Non-eligible expenses
- Replacement investments
- Parking spaces
- Passenger cars
- Construction planning services
Eligible to apply
- Companies
Funding requirements
- SME status (under 250 employees)
- Trade license or equivalent authorization
- Minimum investment volume €300,000
- Application to be submitted before project start
- Operating site in Styria
Documents required for application
- Application in the SFG portal
- Project description
- Financing plan
- Invoices
- Delivery notes
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the project
- Digitalization
- Circular economy
- Growth
- Regional significance
Description
Growth!Step 2021-2027 promotes innovative investments in micro, small, and medium-sized manufacturing and service enterprises with operations in Styria. With a minimum project volume of €300,000, the program offers grants ranging from 10% to 30% of eligible project costs. For projects co-financed by the ERDF, an additional bonus of up to 15% is available, for example, for projects in regional development areas or particularly demanding investments in digital and green transformation. The range of eligible expenses includes construction measures, machinery, mechanical equipment, operational and business equipment, as well as intangible investments such as software and licenses. Replacement investments, parking spaces, passenger cars, and construction planning services are excluded. Project selection is based on criteria such as degree of innovation, digitalization competence, resource efficiency, regional significance, and growth potential. Project proposals must be submitted electronically via the SFG portal before their start and completed by June 30, 2027, at the latest.
The funding objective is to strengthen competitiveness through sustainable, resource-efficient, and innovative investments that contribute to securing and creating employment. Funded companies benefit from an efficient, paperless process and the expertise of the Styrian Business Promotion Agency (SFG). Consulting services, assistance with the application, and support with project accounting are integrated into the process. All projects are subject to transparent control in accordance with EU guidelines and the “De-minimis” rules. Publicly funded projects are made visible on online portals and marked with the standardized EU funding logo. Extensive publicity requirements ensure reference to EU support in brochures, A3 posters, or commemorative plaques. By combining grant intensity, strategic focus on digitalization and sustainability, and clear funding conditions, a tailored instrument is created to lead SMEs in Styria into a green and digital future.