Start-up grant – support for new entrepreneurs

Start-up grant is a financial support paid to a new entrepreneur with the aim of promoting new business activities and employment. The grant ensures the entre-preneur’s livelihood during the period estimated for starting and stabilizing the business – however, for no more than 12 months. The decision to grant the start-up support is made by employment authorities. In order to receive a start-up grant, you must live in Finland and establish your business in Finland.

The eligibility criteria for a start-up grant include:

• being a full-time entrepreneur
• having adequate skills for the intended business
• the grant is necessary for the entrepreneur’s subsistence
• the business activity has the potential for continuous profitable activity

The granting of the start-up grant is also influenced by the competitive situation of companies in the same sector and the need for new business activities in the ar-ea.

The start-up grant is equal to the basic daily allowance and is paid for a maximum of five calendar days per week. The start-up grant is personal, taxable income for the new entrepreneur. It is paid once a month in arrears based on a payment application submitted by the recipient. As of 1 May 2026, the General Social Security Benefit will replace the labour market subsidy and the basic unemployment allowance paid by Kela, and its amount corresponds to their current level.

For more information about services for new entrepreneurs and applying for the start-up grant, visit Job Market Finland . You can also ask your local employment authority for more details about applying for the grant. Contact information can be found on Job Market Finland .