March 25, 2024
The Minister of European Investments and Projects, Adrian Câciu, announced the launch of the fourth edition of the Start-Up Nation 2024 Program, in the second quarter of this year. The budget allocated for this initiative is 400 million euros, coming from European funds and being approved by the European Commission.
This edition of the program will continue to provide financial support for micro-enterprises and SMEs in Romania, offering non-refundable grants of up to 200,000 lei per beneficiary. Eligible expenses also include investments in equipment and IT solutions, representing a crucial opportunity for the development of start-ups and early-stage companies.
Minister Adrian Câciu stated that registrations for financing through the Start-Up Nation Program would begin "somewhere in mid-May", and details about the program, the Applicant's Guide and other useful information will be published in the following period.
This initiative is intended to support local entrepreneurship and provide a significant boost to the private sector. Moreover, through this edition of the Start-Up Nation Program, the aim is to decentralize the funds allocated to SMEs to the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism, thus contributing to the development of public policies and financing for the economy.
The previous edition of this program brought notable benefits to micro-enterprises and SMEs, giving them the opportunity to access funds for investments, including digitization. In the same spirit, the fourth edition of the Start-Up Nation 2024 Program continues this tradition, ensuring that eligible firms can benefit from funding for various IT-related expenses, including IT equipment, business software and online platforms.
Therefore, this program not only provides financial support, but also encourages innovation and modernization among local businesses, contributing to increasing competitiveness and stimulating economic growth in Romania.
Create at least two full-time jobs for an indefinite period after the entry into force of the financing agreement and keep these jobs occupied for at least 12 months after the issuance of the payment agreement by AIMM.
In case of vacancies or suspension of created jobs, the beneficiary has 45 days to fill them again, maintaining the number and conditions for which he received funding.
During the period mentioned in letter m (1), an employment contract cannot be suspended more than twice, with exceptions regulated by special legislation and issued by the competent authorities.
The beneficiary must prove employment through the project, with permanent and full-time employment contracts, at the time of issuing the payment agreement by AIMM, and maintain these jobs for at least 12 months.
Jobs created and filled in the last 6 months with the applicant company, between the signing and issuance of the financing agreement, are considered created by the project.
