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.

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 .