A period is coming when those who want to obtain European funds for their businesses must be aware and prepared, said Róbert Grüman, the chief executive officer and co-founder of StartUp HUB, the centre for entrepreneurship development, adult education and vocational training, in an interview with Euronews Romania.

While not long ago there were many closed EU funds, the next period comes with many new opportunities for those who want to obtain European fundings, Grüman Róbert specified.

“The previous European funding cycle has just ended and already from 2023 new projects, new funding programmes have been launched. There are possibilities to attract funds also for young people who want to start their first business. Here we are talking about start-up type programs from 25,000 euros up to a maximum of 100,000 euros, but there are also funds for entrepreneurs who want to develop an existing business. At the entrepreneurship centre in Sfântu Gheorghe, StartUp HUB, we funded 100 young people last year with €25,000 each”, Róbert Grüman pointed out.

Those who are interested should also know that such programmes come with training, it’s not just money in exchange for a good idea.

“We have seen that there is a great interest in this type of project and we encourage young people to continue to participate, because this programme was not just about funding per se, it was an educational programme. Those who applied participated in an entrepreneurial skills training programme and created business plans with the help of our specialists. They also received a mentor to help them to implement it,” explained the CEO of StartUp HUB.

Of course, accessing EU grants requires a certain amount of responsibility and bureaucracy. 

“There is some bureaucracy we must say, but in the end it is worth it. If we help young people to try the path of entrepreneurship through funding, let’s say smaller grants, non-reimbursable funding, then we help to grow the next generation of entrepreneurs who can help the economic development of the country“, concluded Róbert Grüman.

We invite you to follow us both on www.startup-hub.ro and on our social channels to be updated on new funding opportunities. Those who want to find out more are encouraged to request additional information through the contact form on the web page.