How to claim a business start-up grant for those in employment in 2025

 Availability of start-up grants for those in employment in 2025

In 2025, people employed under an employment contract or running their own business will have the opportunity to secure funding to start their own business. Contrary to popular belief, start-up funding for those in employment is not reserved exclusively for the unemployed. An increasing number of grant schemes are dedicated to employed entrepreneurs who wish to expand their existing business or launch a new one without giving up their permanent employment.

 A key source of support for this group is the Local Action Groups (LAGs), which in 2025 will provide access to grants for setting up a business for those in employment. These grants can provide funding of up to 150,000 zł, with the funds covering up to 65 per cent of the project’s eligible costs. Importantly, a condition is that the applicant must be registered as a resident in a town or village with a population of up to 20,000, and must operate their business within the LAG’s area of operation.

 In addition to the LAG, Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK) offers preferential loans with the option of partial write-off, aimed at employed people planning to start a business. The ‘First Business – Start-up Support’ programme allows applicants to receive a loan of up to 160,000 zł, with a long repayment period and a low interest rate, which represents an attractive alternative to grants.

 For people with disabilities, grants from PFRON are available, which in 2025 may amount to as much as 120,000 PLN, offering financial support to cover the costs associated with setting up and running a business. All these forms of support demonstrate that funding for working entrepreneurs in 2025 is a realistic and accessible option, enabling the financing of a wide range of investments and business activities.

 Conditions and criteria for applying for grants for people in employment

 To benefit from business start-up grants for working people in 2025, you must meet specific conditions, which vary depending on the programme and the institution providing the support. In the case of grants from Local Action Groups (LAGs), it is essential to be registered as a resident in a locality covered by the LAG’s area of operation and to carry out business activities within that area. It is not necessary to give up your full-time job, which makes this form of support attractive to those wishing to combine running their own business with full-time employment.

 It is worth bearing in mind, however, that grants for employed people starting a business do not cover running costs such as social security contributions, taxes or wages. The funds may be used for the purchase of new fixed assets, modernisation, renovation and construction work, marketing, or the purchase of licences and software.

 In the case of preferential loans from BGK, a robust business plan must be prepared, which will form the basis for assessing creditworthiness and the justification for the financing. The borrower must also meet the formal requirements set by the institution cooperating with BGK.

 In turn, PFRON grants for people with disabilities require the holder to have a certificate of disability and to be registered with the district employment office. Applications for grants are submitted to the district employment office, where a formal and substantive assessment takes place. In every case, it is important to familiarise yourself thoroughly with the rules and criteria of the programme in question, as these may vary between regions and institutions.

 What can grants for working people setting up a business be used for?

 Funding for working entrepreneurs in 2025 can primarily be used for investments related to the launch or development of a business. Eligible expenditure includes: the purchase of machinery, equipment and tools necessary for running the business; the modernisation or refurbishment of premises; the purchase of software and licences; as well as marketing activities, such as creating a website or producing promotional materials.

 Grants for setting up a business for working people in 2025, funded by the Local Action Group (LAG), also allow for the financing of renovation and construction works, as well as office equipment. It is worth noting that these funds cannot be used to cover running costs, such as utility bills or staff salaries.

 In the case of preferential BGK loans, funds may also be used to purchase vehicles, which is particularly relevant for businesses operating in the logistics or service sectors. These loans can also be used to purchase goods for resale and to cover fixed costs, which offers greater flexibility than grants.

 Financial support for working people setting up a business often also covers the costs of tax, accounting or legal advice, which is particularly important at the start-up stage and helps to avoid procedural errors.

 The application process for subsidies and grants for working people

 The procedure for applying for subsidies and grants for working people varies depending on the institution and programme, but usually involves several basic stages. The first is to prepare a complete set of documents, including a detailed business plan that clearly sets out the objectives, scope of operations, planned expenditure and projected revenue.

 The next step is to submit the application by the relevant deadline, which is often announced in advance by institutions such as the Local Action Group (LAG), the Labour Office (PUP) or the Bank of Gdańsk (BGK). It is worth keeping track of the application schedules, as in some cases calls for applications take place once a year or even less frequently.

 Once the application has been submitted, a formal and substantive assessment takes place, during which the completeness of the documents and the project’s compliance with the programme’s requirements are checked. If the decision is positive, a contract is signed setting out the conditions for receiving and accounting for the funds.

 Implementing the project requires documenting all expenditure with invoices and receipts, and carrying out the activities for the period specified in the contract – usually a minimum of two years in the case of grants from Local Action Groups (LAGs). It is worth bearing in mind that failure to comply with the terms of the contract may result in the need to repay the funds.

 Practical examples of how grants can be used by those in employment

 For example, an entrepreneur in full-time employment in the service sector, living within the area covered by a Local Action Group, may apply for a grant of up to 150,000 zł to purchase equipment and fit out premises for a new service centre. The funds can be used to purchase furniture and modern equipment, as well as to run a marketing campaign in the local media.

 Another example is a person employed in the IT sector who plans to set up a company offering software solutions. They can take advantage of the BGK scheme for a preferential loan, which they will use to purchase specialist software, computer equipment and staff training.

 A person with a disability, employed in a manufacturing company, may in turn apply for a grant from PFRON to set up a business, which will enable them to adapt their workstation to their needs and purchase the necessary machinery and equipment.

 Such examples illustrate just how varied the funding options can be and how important it is to tailor the form of support to individual needs and the profile of the planned business.

 Benefits and limitations of financial support for working people

 The greatest advantage of subsidies and grants for working people is the opportunity to obtain non-repayable financial support, which significantly reduces the risks associated with starting a business. Furthermore, these programmes often offer advisory services, training and expert support, which increases the chances of business success.

 However, all such support comes with certain limitations. Grants do not cover day-to-day operating costs and cannot be used to finance second-hand fixed assets. There is also a requirement to run the business for a specified period, which may pose a challenge for some entrepreneurs.

 Another limitation is the need to meet formal requirements and prepare accurate documentation, which may be difficult for those who are unprepared and may require specialist support.

 Despite these limitations, funding for entrepreneurs in 2025 remains an attractive option that can significantly facilitate the launch and development of a new business.

 Key tips for entrepreneurs planning to apply for grants

•  Plan your business plan carefully – it is a key document in the process of applying for grants and loans. It should contain detailed information about the planned business, a market analysis, projected costs and revenues, and a marketing strategy.
•  Keep an eye on application deadlines – calls for applications organised by Local Action Groups (LAGs), Labour Office (PUP) or the Bank of Gdańsk (BGK) take place on specific dates, so it is important to monitor announcements and prepare your documentation in good time.
•  Consult experts – support from advisers and specialists in securing grants can significantly increase your chances of success and help you avoid formal errors.
•  Prepare for the formal requirements – ensuring your documents are complete, providing financial guarantees and meeting the eligibility criteria are the basics you must fulfil to receive funding.
•  Remember your obligations after receiving the grant – continuing to operate your business for the required period, accounting for the funds and achieving the set objectives are key elements that determine whether the support is non-repayable.

 Summary and next steps in securing support for employed entrepreneurs

 Grants for setting up a business for employed people in 2025 are a realistic and accessible form of financial support, enabling you to realise your dream of running your own business without having to give up your permanent job. Local Action Groups, PFRON and Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego offer attractive grant and loan schemes, tailored to the various needs and profiles of entrepreneurs.

 However, proper preparation is key – from a solid business plan, through understanding the formal requirements, to submitting applications on time and accounting for funds accurately. Financial support for employed people setting up a business in 2025 enables them to fund investments, purchase equipment, carry out modernisation or undertake marketing activities, all of which are essential for a successful start and the growth of their business.

 If you wish to successfully secure subsidies and grants for employed people looking to set up a business, it is worth drawing on the expertise of specialists and regularly monitoring the grant schemes available for employed entrepreneurs in 2025. This will enable you to make the most of the available funds to develop your business and build a stable, profitable company.

 We invite you to get in touch with our advisers and to keep up to date with the latest news on funding – a well-prepared and well-thought-out start is the foundation of every entrepreneur’s success. Don’t delay, as start-up funding for employed people is available today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can people in employment receive a grant to set up a business in 2025?

Yes, people in employment can apply for grants to set up a business, primarily through Local Action Groups (LAGs). The condition is that they must be registered as residents in a town or village with a population of up to 20,000 and run their business in that area. The grant amount can be as high as 150,000 zł, but may not exceed 65 per cent of the project’s eligible costs.

What are the key conditions for obtaining a grant from the jobcentre for the unemployed in 2025?

The basic requirement is to be registered as unemployed with the Job Centre. You must not have carried out any business activity during the 12 months prior to submitting the application. The maximum grant amount is six times the average wage (approximately 48,000 PLN). The grant is non-repayable provided that the business is operated for a minimum of 12 months and the funds are properly accounted for in accordance with the agreement.

What can grants from the jobcentre and the Local Action Group (LAG) be used for?

Grants from the Job Centre can be used for one-off expenses related to setting up a business, such as the purchase of equipment, machinery, goods, materials for services and marketing activities (up to 10 per cent of the funds). LAGs also allow for the financing of renovation and construction works, as well as fixed assets, up to a limit of 65 per cent of eligible costs. Recurring costs, such as rent, social security contributions or utility bills, cannot be funded.

What are the differences between a grant from the jobcentre and an EU start-up grant?

A grant from the jobcentre is a one-off, non-repayable payment, mainly for the unemployed, with a limited list of eligible expenses and a quick processing time (around one month). EU grants often include bridging support (monthly funding for running costs), offer higher amounts (around 23,000 PLN as a one-off payment plus the bridging grant), but the process takes longer and requires participation in training courses and the preparation of a comprehensive business plan.

Do grants for people with disabilities differ from standard grants?

Yes, people with a disability certificate can apply for grants from PFRON, which are similar to those from the jobcentre, but the maximum amount can be as much as 15 times the average wage (over 120,000 PLN). The requirements regarding eligible costs are similar, and applications are submitted to the district employment office.

How long must you run a business after receiving a grant from the LAG for working people?

After receiving a grant from the LAG for working people, you must run your business for at least 24 months (2 years) from the date the final instalment of funds is received. During this time, the entrepreneur must fulfil the objectives set out in the business plan and account for expenditure in accordance with the agreement in order for the grant to remain non-repayable.

Can I combine different sources of funding to start a business in 2025?

No, under the regulations, the same business activity cannot be funded from two different sources at the same time, e.g. from a grant from the jobcentre and an EU grant. Before making a decision, it is worth analysing the terms and conditions carefully and comparing the offers to choose the most advantageous solution for your business.