Doing business in Poland? Apply for grants, loans or guarantees from European structural funds covering a significant part of the investment. There are tens of millions of euros available. Remember: the investment should be conform to the European and national development policy. Smart growth and smart or regional specialisations are important items in Poland when you are looking for support from European structural funds for the period 2014-2020. Verify if European grants are available for your business.
Doing business in Poland – invest in innovation
The Smart Development Programme (Program Inteligentny Rozwój) offers the best support for entrepreneurs investing in Poland in innovative products and services or who create Research and Development (R+D) centres. If you are interested in the development of your business, investment in innovative solutions or creating a R & D centre in Poland, you may reach for a million euros of grants. Poland received 8.6 milliard euro from the European Regional Development Fund to finance the Smart Development Programme. In comparison with the budget of the European Horizon 2020 programme (80 milliard euros) it’s not a big amount, but the undoubted advantage of this programme is that the money is focused on support for innovative businesses in Poland.
Specializations within the Regional Operational Programmes
In addition, your business in Poland may count on financial support from 16 Regional Operational Programmes (ROP). Each region (province) created actions according two out of eleven thematic objectives of the EU cohesion policy :
- Increasing investment in scientific research, technological development and innovation
- Enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Smart specialisations
Polish provinces want to encourage local and foreign businesses to invest in the most innovative branches of the regional economy in their province. All regions have designated smart specialisations. These are industries which are able to accelerate regional development. Therefore entrepreneurs whose projects fit the best into smart specialisations have a better access to grants and loans from European structural funds. Have a look at the European Smart Specialization Platform to read about the possibilities in Poland and the Polish provinces.
For the development of enterprises in these smart specialisations, Poland and the 16 provinces set aside nearly 15 billion of euros of EU funds.
Doing business in Poland, apply for European funding!
I am writing on behalf of The Flavour Network sp. z o.o. to apply for a grant to support the launch of Hii Ceylon, the first authentic Sri Lankan restaurant in Krakow, located in the heart of Kazimierz.
This project introduces a unique culinary concept to the city, filling a gap in the market with vibrant Sri Lankan flavors. Our vision extends beyond just a restaurant—it’s the first step in our planned expansion.
We have already established the company structure, developed our menu, secured supplier agreements, and engaged an architect to design the space. Additionally, we have secured a 10-year lease on the location, ensuring long-term stability.
We believe Hii Ceylon will enrich Krakow’s dining scene, attract both locals and tourists, and create new job opportunities. With the right support, we can bring this exciting concept to life and contribute to the city’s diverse gastronomy.
We would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this further and provide any additional details needed.