Entrepreneurs who are planning a new location or want to expand an existing business premises have numerous options in Austria. Regional funding programs are available - the federal states of Salzburg and Vienna are particularly attractive. In this article, we will show you how to make the most of these funding opportunities, what you need to bear in mind when applying and how to prepare your project in the best possible way.
Regional funding programs in Salzburg
Salzburg has a wide range of funding offers that are of particular interest to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Important funding programs and priorities
IWB-EFRE program (Investments in employment and growth 2021-2027)This programme provides ERDF funding to support industrial and commercial growth and innovation projects as well as tourism modernization and expansion. The target group is primarily SMEs in Salzburg. State of Salzburg
De minimis funding, digitalization offensive, research & development, start-ups/takeovers, environmental and energy investmentsSalzburg offers a wide range of thematically differentiated programs that can be relevant depending on the project. State of Salzburg
Small business or trade subsidies, rental subsidies (e.g. for start-ups), investment and working capital loans, apprenticeship and training subsidies (for apprenticeship companies or apprenticeship training): Particularly relevant if your company trains young people or invests in local infrastructure. City of Salzburg
Tip: SMEs and commercial enterprises in particular should check at an early stage whether a combination of programs is possible - such as ERDF/IMF plus regional SME funding or environmental investments - and pay attention to de minimis rules when submitting applications.
Regional funding programs in Vienna
Vienna also offers comprehensive funding opportunities via the Vienna Business Agency and other institutions, particularly for the establishment and expansion of business premises.
Important funding programs and priorities
Promotion Location (Vienna)This funding is aimed at companies that want to open a new location in Vienna or expand or renovate existing premises. Funding is available for construction measures, the purchase or renovation of building fabric as well as planning and architectural services. Funding rate: 10-20 %, maximum funding between €300,000 and €500,000. Minimum project size depending on company size: from €150,000. Business Agency
Other funding areas of the Vienna Business AgencyThese include programmes for founding & start-ups, research & innovation, environment and sustainability, digitalization as well as special funding lines for creative and technology industries. Business Agency
Support for relocation, digitalization, sustainability and employment - Vienna places a special focus on sustainable urban development, innovation and employment. Companies that are active in these areas have good chances of receiving funding. Business Agency
Comparison Salzburg vs. Vienna - What are the differences?
| Criterion | Salzburg | Vienna |
| Forms of support | ERDF / IWB, SME funding, environment & energy, trade & business, start-ups/takeovers, training/apprenticeships | Location promotion (real estate/construction), foundation & start-ups, innovation & research, environment & sustainability, digitalization |
| Target groups | SMEs, trade, companies with a training function, companies with investment requirements | SMEs, start-ups, companies located in Vienna, production and service companies, research & technology companies |
| Funding amount / investment requirement | SME-oriented; varies per program | 0-20 % of costs, projects from €150,000 (SMEs) or €300,000 (medium/large) |
| Thematic focus | Innovation, commercial investment, environment/energy, tourism, strengthening SMEs | location & infrastructure, innovation & digitalization, sustainability, company foundation & relocation |
Conclusion:
For companies with a focus on industrial production, innovation, the environment, energy or regional growth, Salzburg can be very attractive with its ERDF/IMF funding and SME programs.
If you are planning to open a location in the capital with good infrastructure and access to markets, talent and networks (e.g. headquarters, office, production, research), Vienna offers clear advantages with the Business Agency's location promotion.
Checklist: How to check the funding potential for your location
| Step | Description |
| Clearly define the goal and nature of your project | New establishment, expansion, renovation, modernization, digitalization, environmental investment, etc. |
| Identify a suitable funding program | In Salzburg: IWB-EFRE, SME promotion, environment, etc. |
| Check funding conditions | Minimum measures, cost framework, funding quota, de minimis rule, project start before application, etc. |
| Submit application before the start of the project | Especially for Vienna: Application must be made before the start of the project. |
| Prepare documents | Annual financial statements, planning and construction plans, cost breakdown, de minimis declaration, etc. |
| Check combination with other funding lines | z.e.g. environment + SMEs + innovation, where permissible. |
| Take advantage of advice from funding experts | Many programs offer advice and support with applications and submissions. |
Use the regional funding opportunities in Salzburg and Vienna specifically for your business location - with the right planning, early application and good documentation, considerable incentives can be realized.
We will be happy to support you in your search for the right funding: Kroy Real Estate
What is the difference between federal and state subsidies?
In Austria, funding exists at several levels - federal, state and municipal. Provincial or regional funding programs (as in Salzburg or Vienna) usually supplement the federal programs. Important: Double funding of the same measure by the federal government and Land is often excluded.
Can I combine several funding programs?
Yes - under certain conditions. Example: In Salzburg, an environmental investment program could be combined with SME funding. It is important that the funding conditions (e.g. de minimis rule, funding quota) are not exceeded and that applications are submitted in good time.
When must the application be submitted?
For many programs - e.g. location promotion in Vienna - the application must be submitted before the project begins.
Who can apply for funding?
In Salzburg, mostly SMEs, commercial enterprises, companies with an investment requirement or innovation or environmental focus. In Vienna, companies with planned business premises, start-ups, medium-sized and large companies are eligible to apply - depending on the funding.
What costs are subsidized?
This depends on the program - in the case of Standortförderung Wien, for example, structural measures, building fabric, architectural and planning services. Business Agency+1 Programmes in Salzburg can also promote investments in technology, digitalization, the environment, research, etc.
