Working a job has its advantages, but it is not rewarding for everyone, which may motivate some to open their own business. In the beginning, we should focus on finding our niche and idea for the company. Once this step is behind us, we wonder where to get the money to open a business. As it turns out, it is worth taking advantage of the European Funds' start-up funding.
Business funding - what is European Funds?
EU funding is designed to help countries to bridge gaps and ensure sustainable development. We see cities changing all around us, new facilities and infrastructure being built - a large number of such projects have been supported by EU funding. Anyone wishing to start up their own business should know that they can receive financial support for starting up from the European Union budget, which allocates part of its funds for the development of businesses and the fight against unemployment. In addition to financial resources, it is worth looking for interesting projects, undertakings or training courses organised from the EU budget, thanks to which we will improve our professional qualifications and obtain useful certificates helping us to develop our career. Co-financing of activities from the European Funds is one of the sources of external funding, but we must remember that obtaining it is not always easy. However, it is certainly worth the time and effort to prepare an appropriate application, as grants for opening our own business are non-refundable, which means that we will not have to return the money received. Of course, the entrepreneur must fulfil the contract concluded.
EU business funding - who can apply?
The amount of an EU grant for starting a one-person business is as high as PLN 40 000, which will provide the budding entrepreneur with ideal start-up support. Sometimes the only thing stopping us from opening our own business is the lack of sufficient financial resources. It is important to remember that the business grant is not for everyone. People will receive them:
- under 30 who are not in education or employment - the situation of young people applying for the grant will be carefully analysed. In addition to money, they can benefit from career counselling, take part in training, internships and apprenticeships and even start postgraduate studies;
- over 30 without a job - in this case, the conditions for applying for funding should be checked carefully, as they sometimes vary from one voivodeship to another - usually we have to demonstrate that the situation in the relevant labour market is difficult. People in their thirties will not always receive non-refundable financial assistance to open their own business.
How do I get funding for my business?
Before you apply for a grant from the European Union, work out your business idea - check whether there is market demand for the product or service in question, find out what industry you will be operating in. Remember that the grant is only there to help you spread your wings - so you need to know exactly what kind of business you want to set up. Once you've taken this step, it's time to find the right EU project for you. To do this, visit the website of the European Funds, where you will find an up-to-date list of all ongoing projects in the selected voivodeship and region. You will also find out what criteria you need to meet to qualify for participation. Once you have selected a project, contact the person or institution in charge of its implementation. If you have any questions, this is the best chance to clear up any doubts. When you apply for a start-up grant, you can request a certificate confirming this, so that the Job Centre does not send you job offers and you can concentrate on starting your business. Of course, in order to receive the grant, you must submit a completed application form - this requires information such as:
- name, surname, PESEL number, address;
- contact details;
- current labour market status, level of education, occupation, household situation and possibly disability;
- a declaration that you have read the project regulations;
- selected training;
- statements relating to the fulfilment of the required criteria;
- justification of your business idea.
The number of documents you need to provide depends on the promoter and the specifics of the project itself. Remember that when applying for a business grant, you should have your own contribution prepared.
