On this page

1. Access to information

2. Access to capital

Access to information

• Young Entrepreneurs Association of Slovakia (ZMPS): Established in 2010, YEAS connects entrepreneurs under 40, providing networking opportunities, mentoring, and support for early-stage innovative firms. YEAS also organizes educational programs, workshops, and seminars to increase awareness about funding opportunities and business development.
• Slovak Innovation and Energy Agency (Slovenská inovačná a energetická agentúra): Offers advisory services through regional consultation centers, focusing on innovation and technology. They provide detailed information on funding programs, application procedures, and professional guidance for start-ups.
• Slovak Business Agency (SBA): Provides comprehensive information on business development, funding schemes, and support services for young entrepreneurs. SBA also hosts workshops and provides tailored guidance for start-up creation.
• Innovate Slovakia Platform: Offers an overview of European and national funding programs, detailing eligibility, funding amounts, and application processes, thus ensuring young entrepreneurs are well-informed.

Access to capital

• Microloans Programme: Provided by the Slovak Business Agency, with loans ranging from €2,500 to €50,000.

• National Holding Fund: Includes the Fund for Innovations and Technologies, which invests between €20,000 and €1.5 million in start-ups, focusing on areas like environment, sustainable energy, and IT.

• The Research and Innovation Authority (VAIA) has announced a new financial instrument aimed at assisting businesses and research institutions in digitalization and innovation efforts. Funded by the Recovery Plan, this initiative allocates €28 million to support:​ 

  • Scientific research institutions​, 

  • Companies investing in digitalization and automation​, 

  • Enterprises focused on research and development of new products and services​.

The program, in collaboration with Slovak Investment Holding a.s. and participating banks (VÚB, Tatra banka, UniCredit, ČSOB, Oberbank), simplifies access to bank loans by offering favorable conditions, including lower interest rates and the possibility of loan forgiveness up to 30%, depending on the recipient, region, and project type. This initiative provides young entrepreneurs with enhanced opportunities to secure funding for digitalization and innovation projects, thereby fostering business growth and competitiveness.

• European Funding Programs: Slovakia participates in various EU programs such as Eurostars and Cascade Funding, which support innovation and R&D projects.