At a meeting on Thursday, the government approved a procedure for the implementation of the Start-Up Nation Programme, for which there is a budget of EUR 450 million in 2025.

This year, the programme includes a premiere, as it invests both in the development of entrepreneurial skills and in the development of the businesses themselves. Registration for the skills development module starts on April 15, and graduates will qualify for funding of up to RON 250,000 per SME.

Minister of Economy, Digital Transformation, Entrepreneurship and Tourism Bogdan Ivan said that the launch of a new edition of Start-Up Nation represents „an extremely important moment” for entrepreneurs in Romania, who have been waiting for the programme.

„For the first time we are talking about financing that comes exclusively from European funds: EUR 450 million. We are talking about the largest allocation since the beginning of the programme. We are talking about skills for entrepreneurs who are going to get funds – and not just financing, simply. We are using new technologies and artificial intelligence for a platform through which entrepreneurs will be able to upload these projects. They will be assessed much faster. At the same time, we will have a much clearer dynamics of this program,” he told a news conference at the Government House.

Ivan mentioned that each SME will qualify for funding of up to EUR 50,000. Production and processing activities will also be boosted, especially in the food, electronics and IT industries. The following will also be supported: the wood processing industry, paper and cardboard production.

„We are talking about a model that will be able to be implemented even in rural areas, especially in those economically disadvantaged areas that can have and create access to resources for as many young entrepreneurs as possible. The target audience for these programs is young people up to 35 years old. At the moment, we are talking about very short deadlines. The programme officially starts today, since it was published in the Official Gazette,” he said.

The submission of the first applications for the entrepreneurship training courses will be made starting with April 15, and by the end of October all contracts will be signed and a 50% advance will be granted.

„Another advantage is the fact that all interest rates on bridge loans for entrepreneurs will be half of the market share. At the moment we are talking about a total number of approximately 15,000 new jobs created as a result of such investment. The following can be financed: technological equipment, IT solutions, solutions that come with an environmentally friendly footprint, from air conditioning systems, ventilation; expenses for setting up companies, expenses on furniture, office equipment, utilities, salaries; everything that means the online marketing component, using digital tools, as well as consultancy for the preparation of documentation and expenses related to means of transport, even loans and guarantees obtained from banks,” he said.

Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced on Thursday, at the beginning of a government meeting, that the fourth edition of Start-Up Nation will have „the largest” funding ever.

„For the first time, we use only European funds and relieve the state budget. We finance new businesses that produce in Romania and deliver value-added goods, including in rural areas. We support over 7,500 entrepreneurs, with funding of EUR 50,000 euros each, and we want to create at least 15,000 new jobs,” said Ciolacu.

AGERPRES