30 years of the UGP: 10,000 companies and inspiring founders in focus!

30 years of the UGP: 10,000 companies and inspiring founders in focus!

The labor market service (AMS) Carinthia celebrates 2025 years of its company start -up program (UGP), which acts as a central instrument to support job seekers in self -employment. Impressive 10,000 companies have been founded since the program was introduced and 14,000 jobs have been created. Over 40 million euros in funding were made available, which makes the UGP an outstanding example of successful labor market policy measures. Last year the proportion of founders was remarkable 48 percent.

A look at successful founders illustrates the versatility and creativity that is promoted by the UGP. After many years in the employment relationship, Daniela Galler opened a pleasure restaurant called “Simonetti’s - Crêpes & More” in Klagenfurt. Christina Trampitsch, on the other hand, combines traditional craft with sustainability in her company "The Schuhster - Leder Klinik" in Steuerberg. Martin Hainzl, a master of over 20 years of experience, specializes in the construction and repair of tiled stoves, fireplaces and herds.

support for start -ups

The UGP offers founders comprehensive support from three -phase advice: clarification, preparation and aftercare. This consists of workshops, one -on -one discussions and targeted impulses for the development of sustainable business concepts. The sustainability of the foundations is remarkable: 80 percent of the newly founded companies are still active after one year.

But there are not only programs in Carinthia to support business founders. In Germany, prospective entrepreneurs also find numerous funding opportunities. However, these vary depending on the federal state and include both consultations and discounted loans. The funding is often financed from the European Social Fund (ESF). A central point of contact for detailed information is the free expert phone that can be reached around the clock.

A wide range of funding opportunities in Germany

Important funding programs for founders in Germany include:

• advisory promotion : support in creating business plans by experienced experts.
• funded loans from KfW : low -interest loans for founders, often without equity.
• start-up grant : Financial support for ALG I recipients in the initial phase.
• entry-level money : subsidy for ALG II recipients who become self-employed.
• high-tech start-up fund : investments in young high-tech companies.
• Exist start-up scholarship : Funding for students and graduates when starting up the company.

The challenges associated with the start -up should not be underestimated. Solid financing is often a central problem for new entrepreneurs. For this reason, it is crucial to deal with the available funding programs at an early stage. Interested parties can find more information about the numerous options for founders on the platforms of Klick Carinthia, Germany starts Germany starts: top 10 funding.