People from Ukraine and other CIS countries have asked me several times:
“Is it possible to get a financial grant for your own business in Poland?”
Wanting to help those who need funding for their interesting ideas or startups, I’ve prepared useful content with answers to their questions.
To begin with, let me say this: “Yes, you can get a grant.”
Personally, I haven’t received any grants myself, as I didn’t need to, but this opportunity exists and it really works.
The first thing you need to understand is this: you can only receive money if your business idea solves a certain problem.
If your idea doesn’t solve any problems, you won’t get any investments.
Also, keep in mind that the money comes from people or organizations interested in your project. If your idea benefits the state, creates jobs, solves urban or national issues, improves something important (like infrastructure, ecology, etc.), then it has potential.
In summary:
- To receive grants, your idea must solve a problem.
- Grants are given by specific people or organizations who want to benefit from your work.
Who provides grants?
There are several sources. The largest one is the European Union.
In 90% of cases, you’re more likely to get funding from the EU than from Polish government bodies.
Interesting fact: companies that received EU funding usually display stickers in their offices saying “Funded by the European Union”.
Another source of funding can be Polish government agencies, which deal with various issues like transport, ecology, social problems, etc. In Poland, such institutions are called “Urząd” (Office).
If your business addresses issues relevant to these offices, you may receive additional or initial investment for your project.
There are also many organizations in Poland that offer professional financing and grants, such as startup incubators, private business angels, investment funds, and more. You can find a complete list of these organizations online, along with the conditions under which they support projects.
The last source on my list (but not the least important) is crowdfunding — collecting funds in advance, before the product is created.
With the collected money, you then develop your product.
In exchange, those who became micro-investors get the product later at a heavily discounted price.
Example:
Let’s say I want to create a super pen that shines a laser, releases a praying mantis, and sings songs.
I create a presentation and post it online, saying:
“This pen will cost $20, but if you support me now, I’ll sell it to you for $10.”
That’s all. The mechanics are very simple. In Europe, and globally, this is a very common way of getting funding.
The most popular website using this model is Kickstarter.
Let’s summarize:
Applying for grants is not the only way to find money for your business.
Sometimes, for one reason or another, you might not get a grant — and that’s okay.
There are other ways to raise funds:
- business loans
- personal loans
- borrowing from friends or family
- finding a partner with capital
There are many options — consider each of them.
Still, grants are a great opportunity, especially when your idea solves a clearly defined problem. Ideally, a social issue.
For example: air pollution, poor transportation infrastructure, or non-eco-friendly heating systems.
Real-life example:
A guy recently contacted me saying he developed some super unique nuts (the metal kind).
I don’t know what exactly makes them special, but if he can prove the relevance of his invention, he can definitely get a grant.
You also need to consider which funding model suits your business best.
For some, a grant is a perfect fit. But in many cases, it might be better to look for a business partner who’s ready to invest and build a strong company with you.
Finally, keep in mind: a grant is not the same as an investment.
With a grant, you get the money almost for free — the only condition is to use it honestly (on your idea, not for personal use).
With investments, it’s a different story. Someone gives you money with the intention of earning even more from your idea.
