The start-up grant is discretionary financial support provided by the municipality to a new, full-time entrepreneur. It is personal, taxable income intended to secure the entrepreneur’s livelihood during the early stages of business operations.

Eligibility

You may apply for the start-up grant if you are:

• Unemployed
• Employed
• About to graduate
• Transitioning from another situation into full-time entrepreneurship

Also eligible:

• Part-time entrepreneurs expanding to full-time
• Entrepreneurs transitioning from a 4-month trial period to full-time business

Note: Your official municipality of residence (according to the population register) must be Jyväskylä or Muurame.

You may start your business after submitting the application, even before receiving a decision. However, since the grant is discretionary, approval is not guaranteed.

Duration and amount

• Granted in 6-month periods, up to a maximum of 12 months
• Amount: €37.21 per day, approximately €745 per month
• Paid for up to 5 days per week
• Considered taxable personal income

Conditions for approval

• The business must be full-time and continuous
• A completed business plan and profitability calculations must show viability
• All prerequisites (financing, premises, permits) must be in place
• The applicant must have sufficient entrepreneurial skills and readiness

Common reasons for rejection

• Already operating as a full-time entrepreneur before applying
• Business immediately generates sufficient income
• Business is deemed not viable based on calculations
• Other income sources (e.g., salary, student support, parental allowance, pensions)
• Tax debts or payment defaults

How to apply

1. Contact a start-up grant expert in your employment region before submitting your application.
2. Prepare your business plan and financial calculations. You can book a free consultation with Keski-Suomen Yritysidea.
3. Submit your application electronically via Job Market Finland.
   
   If electronic submission is not possible, use a printable form.
   
   If you need the grant beyond the initial period, submit a continuation application during the current grant period—preferably one month before it ends.
   
   A monthly income statement and balance sheet for the first five months of the startup grant period, verified by an accountant, must be attached to the continuation application.

Required attachments

• Business plan
• Profitability calculations (3 years)
• Less than 3 months old tax debt certificate (MyTax)
• Loan decision (if external financing is needed)
• CV
• Proof of entrepreneurial readiness
• Any other documents requested by the expert

You will be contacted once your application has been taken into processing.

You will receive a decision on the start-up grant within 2–4 weeks after submitting your application and the required attachments.

As a tool for planning your business, you can use the free Guide to Entrepreneurship.