3.9 Start-up funding for young entrepreneurs
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Access to information
Access to funding and information is crucial for fostering entrepreneurship among young people in Denmark. A variety of national and regional funding schemes support startups, research-driven projects, and innovative business ideas. These programmes provide access to grant financing, debt financing, EU funding opportunities, and advisory services for young entrepreneurs.
Programmes and service providers devoted to the funding of start-up
Young entrepreneurs in Denmark have access to a range of advisory and support services aimed at facilitating startup creation and business growth. Student incubators (Studentervæksthuse) at educational institutions provide guidance, mentoring, and networking opportunities for student entrepreneurs. Municipal business services act as the primary local access point for business promotion, offering counselling and information for startups.
In addition, regional incubators (Væksthuse) provide specialised business counselling and feedback, while the Begingrowth (StartVækst) platform offers legal guidance and regulatory information for new businesses. Innovation Fund Denmark has also developed a comprehensive entrepreneurial guideline detailing funding opportunities and application procedures. The Danish Growth Fund, Innovation Fund Denmark, and the Danish Foundation for Entrepreneurship collectively provide guidance on available programmes, funding applications, and entrepreneurial training. Furthermore, Danish business centres across the five regions offer mentorship, courses, and structured business development services.
Access to capital
Danish enterprises and entrepreneurs have access to a large number of public funding at the national, regional, and European levels.
National funding programmes for entrepreneurs in Denmark
Access to funding is a key factor in fostering entrepreneurship among young people in Denmark. A variety of national and regional funding schemes support startups, research-driven projects, and innovative business ideas. These programmes provide access to grant financing, debt financing, and EU funding opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
Access to Grant-Based Financing
Several public funding initiatives offer direct grants to support startup creation and innovation. The Mikrolegat (Micro Grant) scheme provides students and early-stage entrepreneurs with up to 50,000 DKK to develop their startup ideas. The Innofounder programme assists entrepreneurs in transforming their ideas into financially sustainable businesses by offering a 12-month development course, including financial support and mentorship. The InnoBooster programme, managed by the Innovation Fund Denmark, provides financial support for research-based development projects, enabling startups to innovate and scale. Additionally, the Miljøteknologiske Udviklings- og Demonstrationsprogram (MUDP) supports companies working on green technologies, aligning with Denmark’s sustainability goals. Other initiatives, such as ELFORSK and EUDP (Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Programme), provide funding for projects that promote energy efficiency and the green transition.
The Danish Foundation for Entrepreneurship provides microgrants to young/student entrepreneurs and project grants to education institutions (see section 3.8).
Access to Debt Financing and Loan Schemes
To support young entrepreneurs who require capital to launch and expand their businesses, Denmark offers several loan-based initiatives. The Nordjysk Lånefond provides financial backing for startups and innovative projects in North Denmark. This regional loan scheme assists new businesses by offering low-interest financing options to support early-stage development. At a national level, the ErhvervsPhD-ordningen (Industrial Researcher Programme) offers funding for industrial PhD and postdoctoral projects, supporting young professionals seeking to integrate research and entrepreneurship.
Access to EU and International Funding
Young Danish entrepreneurs can also access European and Nordic funding programmes to expand their businesses internationally. Eurostars is a European funding programme designed to support R&D-performing SMEs, providing co-financing for innovative projects with international collaboration. Nordic Innovation promotes cross-border entrepreneurship by funding projects that foster innovation within the Nordic region. Additionally, Danish startups can apply for funding through EU programmes such as Horizon Europe and the European Progress Microfinance Facility, which offer micro-loans and equity investment opportunities for high-potential businesses.