Austria Wirtschaftsservice (aws) is the Austrian government’s primary funding agency for startups and SMEs. It manages dozens of programs across grants, loans, guarantees, and equity investments. Most Austrian founders know aws exists. Most do not know how many programs are available or how to access them.
I have helped startups apply for aws funding through our Startup Burgenland programs. The success rate for well-prepared applications is surprisingly high. The key is knowing which program fits your stage and your needs.
The Programs That Matter Most
aws Preseed. For pre-revenue startups with innovative technology. Provides up to EUR 200,000 as a non-repayable grant. This is the most well-known aws program and the most competitive. You need a technology-driven product, a clear innovation angle, and a credible team. The application requires a business plan, financial projections, and a pitch.
aws Seedfinancing. For startups that have passed the idea stage and are approaching or at market entry. Provides up to EUR 800,000 as a convertible loan. More flexibility than Preseed and designed for companies that are ready to scale.
aws Garantie. Guarantees for bank loans. If you need a bank loan but do not have sufficient collateral, aws can guarantee up to 80% of the loan. This dramatically reduces the risk for the bank and makes loans accessible that would otherwise be denied.
aws erp-Kredit. Low-interest loans from the ERP Fund. Interest rates are below market. Terms are favorable. Available for investments in equipment, technology, and growth.
aws impulse XS/XL. For innovative projects that are not technology startups but involve innovation in products, services, or processes. XS provides up to EUR 50,000. XL provides up to EUR 400,000.
aws Creative Impact. For creative industries: design, media, film, games, architecture. Provides grants of up to EUR 200,000.
aws Jugend Innovativ. For young founders (students). A competition format with mentoring, prizes, and visibility.
How to Choose the Right Program
Match the program to your stage and your type of innovation:
Pre-revenue with technology innovation: aws Preseed
Post-prototype, approaching market: aws Seedfinancing
Need a bank loan but lack collateral: aws Garantie
Innovative project, not tech startup: aws impulse
Creative industry: aws Creative Impact
Need capital for equipment or growth: aws erp-Kredit
The aws website (aws.at) has a program finder tool that asks questions about your business and recommends matching programs. Use it as a starting point, but also consult with an aws advisor directly. The advisors are helpful and can point you toward programs you might not find on your own.
The Application Process
Most aws applications follow a similar process:
Step 1: Submit an online application. The aws portal collects basic company information, a project description, a budget, and a timeline. Most applications include a business plan or at minimum a structured project description.
Step 2: Review and Q&A. An aws advisor reviews your application and may ask clarifying questions. This is normal and not a bad sign.
Step 3: Jury or committee review. For larger programs (Preseed, Seedfinancing), a jury of experts evaluates the application. For smaller programs (impulse XS), the review is typically internal.
Step 4: Decision. Timelines vary. Preseed decisions can take 2-4 months. Impulse XS decisions are faster — typically 4-8 weeks.
Step 5: Contracting and disbursement. Once approved, you sign a funding agreement and the money is disbursed according to the agreed schedule (often in tranches tied to milestones).
Tips for a Strong Application
Be specific about the innovation. aws funds innovation, not business as usual. Clearly articulate what is new about your approach, product, or technology. “We are building a SaaS for HR” is not innovative. “We are using [specific technology] to automate a process that currently requires [specific time/cost] and our approach reduces that by [specific amount]” is innovative.
Show market validation. Letters of intent from potential customers, pilot project results, waitlist numbers. Any evidence that the market wants what you are building strengthens the application significantly.
Build realistic financial projections. Financial projections that investors believe apply to aws applications too. Conservative but ambitious. Show the math behind your numbers. Avoid hockey stick projections without supporting evidence.
Reference the team. aws evaluates the team as much as the idea. Include relevant experience, domain expertise, and track records. If your team has gaps, acknowledge them and explain your plan to fill them.
Use the aws advisors. Before submitting, request a consultation with an aws advisor. They will tell you whether your project fits the program, what to strengthen in the application, and common mistakes to avoid. This consultation is free and dramatically improves your odds.
Stacking aws with Other Funding
aws programs can often be combined with other Austrian funding sources:
FFG (Forschungsforderungsgesellschaft). For R&D-heavy projects. FFG grants can be stacked with aws programs if the projects serve different purposes (e.g., FFG for research, aws for commercialization).
Regional programs. Each Austrian state has its own economic development agency (SFG in Styria, WIBAG in Burgenland, etc.) that offers additional grants. These are often stackable with aws programs.
EU programs. Horizon Europe, EIC Accelerator, and other EU programs can complement aws funding for larger projects.
The key rule: you cannot double-fund the same costs. Each program must fund different expenses within the project. A Steuerberater experienced with startup funding can help you structure the stacking correctly.
The Bottom Line
Austrian founders leave millions of euros in government funding on the table every year. Not because they do not qualify. Because they do not apply.
The aws programs exist to support exactly the type of businesses you are building. The application process takes effort but is not insurmountable. The money is non-dilutive (grants) or low-cost (loans and guarantees). And the process of applying — writing the business plan, projecting financials, articulating the innovation — makes your business stronger regardless of the outcome.
Start with the aws website. Identify the program that fits. Request an advisor consultation. Apply.
The worst that happens is you get rejected and gain clarity on what to strengthen. The best that happens is you receive EUR 50,000 to EUR 800,000 in funding that you did not have to give up equity for.
That is worth the application effort.
