Business Start-up Grants in Poland for Foreigners 2025

Do you want to start your own business but don’t know how to find funding in Poland? We will tell you how to obtain a business start-up grant, which programs support entrepreneurs, and how to increase your chances of success. Poland actively supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by providing state and European funding. This is an excellent way to launch or expand your business without resorting to expensive loans.

The Polish government actively supports entrepreneurs to stimulate the economy. SMEs are the backbone of the economy, creating millions of jobs, contributing to regional development, and ensuring tax revenues. Poland receives significant financial assistance from the EU budget. Programs such as the European Regional Development Fund support small businesses through subsidies and other measures. Starting a company in Poland provides access to preferential tax rates, favorable loans, and subsidies, making the country attractive to foreign entrepreneurs.

Types of Grants in Poland

There are several types of grants available for entrepreneurs in Poland:

1. State Grants: Provided for business development, innovation, and job creation. These are managed by the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP).
2. European Funds: Funding through EU programs, including the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund.
3. Grants for Scientific Research and Development: For start-ups and companies involved in innovation.
4. Grants for Women Entrepreneurs: Special support programs for women starting businesses.
5. Regional Grants: Local authorities offer funding to support entrepreneurship in specific regions. This includes funds, NGOs, and large companies. Particularly noteworthy is Poland Prize, created to support foreign entrepreneurs. It includes not only financial assistance but also mentoring, market access, and help with integration into the Polish business environment.

How Can a Foreign Entrepreneur Obtain a Grant in Poland?

Obtaining a grant in Poland as a foreign entrepreneur is a complex task, as the available programs and conditions vary significantly. There is no single centralized source where all grants for foreigners are listed. You will need to search for suitable programs independently.

However, several main directions and general requirements can be identified.

General conditions and required documents (may vary significantly depending on the program):

• Business Plan: This is one of the most important documents. It should be well-structured, containing a detailed market analysis, financial plan, description of the team, and company development strategy.
• Company Registration in Poland: In most cases, you will need to register a company in Poland before applying for a grant. This can be a spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością (Sp. z o.o.) – a limited liability company – or another legal entity.
• Proof of Financial Stability: You may be required to provide financial statements confirming the availability of your own funds.
• Work Experience in the Chosen Field: Entrepreneurial experience can be an important criterion.
• Project Innovation: Many programs prioritize innovative projects with high growth potential.
• Knowledge of the Polish Language: This is not always a mandatory requirement, but knowledge of Polish can significantly facilitate communication with Polish authorities and partners.
• Work Permit/Residence Permit: To legally conduct business in Poland, you will need the appropriate work permit or residence permit.

It is important to remember that obtaining a grant is a competitive process that takes a lot of time and effort. Finding a suitable program and preparing the application will require significant time and labor. Consulting with advisors or lawyers specializing in grants and business support in Poland can significantly increase your chances of success.

How Should an Entrepreneur Properly Select a Grant for Their Business in Poland?

Finding the right grant for your business in Poland requires a systematic approach. Let’s consider a step-by-step guide:

1. Define Your Business Needs:

   • What stage of development is your business in? Grants vary by target group: start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), existing companies with expansion plans.
   • What do you need the funds for? Investments in equipment, marketing, research and development, hiring staff, training – each goal has its corresponding grant programs.
   • What is the scale of the required funds? Grant amounts range from several thousand to millions of Polish zlotys.
   • What success indicators can you demonstrate? Many grants require proof of the project’s potential.

2. Research Available Grants:

   • The Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP) is a key organization in Poland that manages many grant programs for businesses. Their website (parp.gov.pl) is an excellent starting point. Look for information in Polish, as translations may be incomplete.
   • European Union: Check EU programs such as Horizon Europe (for research and innovation), the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and others that may fund projects in Poland. The European Commission website is ec.europa.eu.
   • Regional and Local Authorities: Many voivodeship and gmina (municipality) offices offer their own grant programs, often focusing on the development of the regional economy. Look for information on the websites of the respective administrative units.
   • Private Funds and Organizations: Private organizations also offer grants, often with a narrower specialization.
   • Search Engines: Use keywords in Polish, for example: “dotacje dla małych firm,” “grant na innowacje,” “dotacje unijne dla przedsiębiorców.”

3. Analyze Grant Conditions:

   • Selection Criteria: Carefully review the requirements for applicants, the project, and reporting.
   • Application Deadlines: Don’t miss the deadline!
   • Application Procedure: Make sure you understand the required documents and formats.
   • Co-financing: Grants often require co-financing from your own funds. Take this into account when planning.
   • Reporting: Consider how easily you will be able to meet the reporting requirements after receiving the grant.

4. Prepare the Application:

   • Develop a High-Quality Business Plan: This is a fundamental document that will demonstrate the viability of your project.
   • Gather All Necessary Documents: Check the list of required documents and make sure you have everything.
   • Seek Professional Help: If you are unsure about any aspects, contact a grant consultant or accountant.

5. Submit the Application and Follow-Up Actions:

   • Fill Out the Application Form: Make sure all information is correct and complete.
   • Track the Status of Your Application: Grant organizers usually provide information on the progress.
   • Be Prepared for Additional Questions: Organizers may request additional information.

IMPORTANT! Learning the Polish language will significantly simplify the process of finding and obtaining grants. Many resources are available only in Polish, and understanding the nuances of the language is crucial for correctly interpreting all the necessary requirements. Do not hesitate to seek help from specialists if you encounter difficulties.

The Grant Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide for Entrepreneurs

Here is a general outline of the grant application process, which may vary significantly. Timeframes are approximate and can differ considerably.

I. Preparation and Grant Search (1-3 months):

1. Define Areas of Interest and Search for Grant Providers: Identify your field of activity and look for grant providers funding similar projects. Use resources such as the websites of ministries (e.g., the Ministry of Science and Higher Education), foundations (e.g., the National Science Centre, the Kościuszko Foundation), international organizations (e.g., Horizon Europe), as well as specialized grant databases.
2. Analyze Grant Conditions: Carefully review project requirements, selection criteria, eligible costs, application deadlines, and other conditions of the specific grant. Pay attention to the application format (electronic, paper).
3. Develop the Project: Write a detailed project proposal that meets all the requirements of the grant provider. This includes:
   • Project Abstract: A brief description of the project (usually no more than one page).
   • Problem Description and Project Objectives: A clear and well-reasoned explanation of the problem you are addressing and the project’s objectives.
   • Methodology: A detailed description of the methods you will use to achieve the objectives.
   • Budget: A detailed project budget with justification for each expenditure item.
   • Work Plan: A project implementation schedule with key milestones and deadlines.
   • Project Team: Information about the project participants, their qualifications, and experience.
   • Expected Results and Project Impact: A description of the anticipated outcomes and their significance.
   • Results Implementation Plan: How you will utilize the project results.
   • Risk Management Plan: Identification of potential risks and strategies for their mitigation.

II. Application Submission (1-2 weeks):

4. Prepare Necessary Documents: Gather all required documents specified in the grant conditions (passports, diplomas, bank statements, letters of recommendation, etc.). It is important to check all documents for compliance with requirements and the absence of errors.
5. Fill Out the Application Form: Complete the application form online or on paper, carefully and accurately. Double-check all data before submitting.
6. Submit the Application: Submit the application within the specified deadlines, using the method indicated by the grant provider.

III. Application Review (2-6 months):

7. Application Evaluation: The grant provider will evaluate your application based on established criteria. This process can take from several weeks to several months.

IV. Notification of Results (1-2 weeks):

8. Receive Notification: You will receive notification of the results of your application (positive or negative decision).

V. Signing the Agreement and Project Implementation (from several months to several years):

9. Signing the Agreement: If the decision is positive, you will sign an agreement with the grant provider, which will specify all the terms and conditions of project funding.
10. Project Implementation: At this stage, you will implement the project in accordance with the approved work plan. It is important to comply with all the terms of the agreement and deadlines.
11. Project Monitoring: The grant provider may monitor the project, checking the progress and the use of funds.

VI. Reporting (upon project completion):

12. Prepare the Report: Upon completion of the project, you will prepare a report on the results, costs, and impact of the project. The report must comply with the requirements of the grant provider.
13. Submit the Report: Submit the report to the grant provider within the specified deadlines.

IMPORTANT! This outline is general. Specific requirements and deadlines may vary significantly depending on the grant provider and the type of grant. We recommend seeking advice from grant specialists or representatives of the grant provider to clarify requirements and deadlines.

Be prepared for competition – many applications are submitted for grants.

Careful preparation of the project and high-quality execution of all stages will significantly increase your chances of obtaining a business grant in Poland.

Obtaining EU Funding for Business in Poland – Opportunities and Nuances

The European Union allocates significant funds annually for the development of Polish companies. There are about a hundred support programs for small and medium-sized enterprises, providing grants from several thousand zlotys to hundreds of thousands of euros. To obtain a grant, interaction with Polish state authorities is necessary. Priority areas include projects in infrastructure, ecology, innovation, transport, energy, and local government.

Support Program for Unemployed Youth in Warsaw

This program provides one-time assistance of up to PLN 16,000 to young unemployed residents of Warsaw. To participate, you must:

• Be under 30 years of age.
• Be registered as unemployed at the Urząd Pracy m.st. Warszawy (Warsaw Labor Office).
• Have an approved individual action plan (agreed with specialists at: ul. Ciołka 10a, rooms 202, 203, 204, 205, 212, 213, 215, 216, 217; Grochowska 171b, workstations 2-12, 14-17).
• Have a fixed assistance profile.
• Not have participated in government educational programs in the last month.

The necessary forms, a list of common mistakes, and a list of attachments are available on the website www.up.warszawa.pl. The application must include the requested amount, a description of the business activity, the projected impact on the Polish economy, and planned expenses. The applicant must be ready to launch the business and have a clear plan for further actions after receiving funding.

IMPORTANT! Independently securing European funding is a complex task. It is more effective and convenient to contact specialized companies with experience in successfully obtaining European grants for their clients.

If you have any further questions, please write to us at office@progressholding.pl