From Idea to Business: Where to Find Funds for a Successful Start

Starting your own business is a dream for many aspiring entrepreneurs. Often, the implementation of a business idea is delayed due to a lack of financing. However, today in Poland there are many financial support opportunities available, even if you do not have substantial savings or experience.

Thanks to grants, preferential loans, and special funding programs, you can obtain funds for launching your business: purchasing equipment, promoting your product, testing, and covering initial operating costs.

In this article, we have gathered for you proven funding options for starting a business in Poland.

Non-repayable Grants from Employment Centers

Grants from County Employment Offices are among the most popular solutions for starting a business. Key advantages:

• Non-repayable if the business is run for at least 12 months.

• Funding amount – around 50,000 PLN (depending on the region).

Funds can be used for equipment purchases, premises adaptation, marketing activities, or legal support. Grants are available to registered unemployed persons, caregivers of people with disabilities, and graduates of integration programs.

Details: psz.praca.gov.pl

Self-employment Loan Program

Implemented by Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK), offering:

• up to 170,000 PLN for business development,

• low interest rate (~1.4%),

• no commission fees,

• repayment period up to 7 years,

• possibility to have up to 50% of the loan forgiven.

The program targets unemployed individuals, final-year students, and job seekers.

Details: bgk.pl

Startup Platforms

Program for those with innovative product or service ideas:

• incubation under the guidance of mentors,

• grant up to 100,000 PLN for development,

• possible additional funding up to 600,000 PLN or more.

Available for residents of Eastern Poland and selected districts of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship.

Details: parp.gov.pl

Innovator’s Laboratory

Program for early-stage testing of startup ideas:

• mentorship support,

• access to laboratories and coworking spaces,

• funding for prototype creation,

• grant up to 50,000 PLN.

Details: parp.gov.pl

Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs

An international internship program for aspiring entrepreneurs:

• internships in EU countries from 1 to 6 months,

• stipend up to 1100 EUR per month,

• building an international network of contacts.

Details: erasmus-entrepreneurs.eu

Grants from Local Action Groups (LGD)

Funding for residents of villages and small towns (up to 20,000 inhabitants):

• grants up to 150,000 PLN,

• required own contribution around 30%.

The business idea must align with local development strategies.

Details: ksowplus.pl

Special Projects for Entrepreneurs

Some foundations offer dedicated support programs:

• Women’s Entrepreneurship Foundation

• Ukrainian Development Center Empowerment

• Bielany Entrepreneurship Integrator

Expert Advice

Startup funding in Poland is not just about financial support; it is also a chance to participate in training, receive mentoring, and develop a strong business strategy.

Choose the program that best fits your idea, carefully read the participation conditions — and don’t be afraid to take the first step!

Starting your own business is a dream for many aspiring entrepreneurs. Often, the implementation of a business idea is delayed due to a lack of financing. However, today in Poland there are many financial support opportunities available, even if you do not have substantial savings or experience.

Thanks to grants, preferential loans, and special funding programs, you can obtain funds for launching your business: purchasing equipment, promoting your product, testing, and covering initial operating costs.

In this article, we have gathered for you proven funding options for starting a business in Poland.

Non-repayable Grants from Employment Centers

Grants from County Employment Offices are among the most popular solutions for starting a business. Key advantages:

• Non-repayable if the business is run for at least 12 months.

• Funding amount – around 50,000 PLN (depending on the region).

Funds can be used for equipment purchases, premises adaptation, marketing activities, or legal support. Grants are available to registered unemployed persons, caregivers of people with disabilities, and graduates of integration programs.

Details: psz.praca.gov.pl

“Self-employment Loan” Program

Implemented by Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK), offering:

• up to 170,000 PLN for business development,

• low interest rate (~1.4%),

• no commission fees,

• repayment period up to 7 years,

• possibility to have up to 50% of the loan forgiven.

The program targets unemployed individuals, final-year students, and job seekers.

Details: bgk.pl

Startup Platforms

Program for those with innovative product or service ideas:

• incubation under the guidance of mentors,

• grant up to 100,000 PLN for development,

• possible additional funding up to 600,000 PLN or more.

Available for residents of Eastern Poland and selected districts of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship.

Details: parp.gov.pl

Innovator’s Laboratory

Program for early-stage testing of startup ideas:

• mentorship support,

• access to laboratories and coworking spaces,

• funding for prototype creation,

• grant up to 50,000 PLN.

Details: parp.gov.pl

Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs

An international internship program for aspiring entrepreneurs:

• internships in EU countries from 1 to 6 months,

• stipend up to 1100 EUR per month,

• building an international network of contacts.

Details: erasmus-entrepreneurs.eu

Grants from Local Action Groups (LGD)

Funding for residents of villages and small towns (up to 20,000 inhabitants):

• grants up to 150,000 PLN,

• required own contribution around 30%.

The business idea must align with local development strategies.

Details: ksowplus.pl

Special Projects for Entrepreneurs

Some foundations offer dedicated support programs:

• Women’s Entrepreneurship Foundation

• Ukrainian Development Center Empowerment

• Bielany Entrepreneurship Integrator

Expert Advice

Startup funding in Poland is not just about financial support; it is also a chance to participate in training, receive mentoring, and develop a strong business strategy.

Choose the program that best fits your idea, carefully read the participation conditions — and don’t be afraid to take the first step!

About the Author

Izabela Anuszewska – business consultant and mentor, accredited expert of EU funds, consultant of the Polish-Ukrainian Forbes Women Academy, and ambassador of the Entrepreneurial Moms Club.