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.

As of January 2025, 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.