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Grant Analysis

Purpose & Target

This grant, 'Wschodni Akcelerator Biznesu 2', aims to help individuals or teams with innovative ideas develop them into profitable products or services. The core objective is to support the creation of a sound business model and the development of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) through a comprehensive incubation program. It targets individuals or teams of individuals who are ready to establish a new capital company in Eastern Poland. The grant is SECTOR-AGNOSTIC, meaning it accepts innovative solutions from all industries, but it provides additional benefits and focus on specific preferred sectors. Geographically, the project implementation and the future company's operations must be located within Eastern Poland. Key filtering criteria for initial screening include possessing a genuinely innovative product idea, having exclusive rights to it, and being prepared to formalize a business entity in the specified region. This is a recurring grant opportunity, accepting applications in multiple rounds until the final deadline in July 2026, as part of a larger EU-funded program.

Financial Structure

The 'Wschodni Akcelerator Biznesu 2' grant provides both direct financial support and significant in-kind assistance. Grant Funding

Grant Amount: Successful applicants will receive a financial grant of approximately 40,000 PLN.
Purpose: This grant is specifically allocated for the development of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and for covering essential services not available within the Startup Platform's standard offerings.

Overall Incubation Support Value

Estimated Total Value: The estimated total value of support provided during the incubation process, combining the financial grant and various specialized and basic services, is approximately 100,000 PLN per startup.

Funding Source

The overall program is co-financed by the European Union under the European Funds for Eastern Poland 2021-2027 program (FEPW.01 Entrepreneurship and Innovation).

Cost Categories

Eligible Costs: The 40,000 PLN grant is intended for necessary services to develop the MVP that are not covered by the standard incubation services. Specific detailed categories are not provided, but it implies direct costs related to product development and market verification.
Ineligible Costs: Not explicitly stated, but generally, costs not directly related to MVP development or explicitly provided services are likely ineligible.

Matching Funds/Co-financing

No matching fund or co-financing requirements are specified for the individual startup applicants for this incubation phase grant. The grant is described as direct support.

Currency

All financial amounts are specified in Polish Zloty (PLN).

Payment Mechanisms

Payment schedule and mechanisms for the 40,000 PLN grant are not detailed, but it is typically disbursed based on milestones or approved expenses during the incubation.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the 'Wschodni Akcelerator Biznesu 2' grant, applicants must meet the following strict criteria: Organizational Type and Structure

Eligible applicants are individuals or teams of individuals.
The applicant(s) must be the exclusive authors of the proposed business idea.
Applicants must be ready to establish a capital company (spółka kapitałowa) in Eastern Poland at a later stage of the incubation process.

Idea and Innovation Requirements

The proposed business idea must be new and possess the character of product innovation at a national level (at least within Poland).
The idea must not have been, nor currently be, the subject of existing business activity.

Program Participation Restrictions

Applicants must not be currently participating in or receiving support from any other 'Startup Platform' program.

Geographic Location

The project implementation and the future company's operations must be located within Eastern Poland.

Commitment and Readiness

Applicants must be ready to actively work on the development of their idea within an individual incubation plan.

Application Process

The application process for 'Wschodni Akcelerator Biznesu 2' is streamlined and managed online, with applications accepted in rounds. Application Timeline

Submission Window: Applications are accepted from March 18, 2024, with the final deadline for accepting applications being July 31, 2026.
Rounds: Applications are processed in multiple rounds. The latest specific round deadline mentioned is for Round 8, ending on July 31, 2026.

Application Procedure

Platform: Applications must be submitted online through the dedicated platform: https://lsi.parp.gov.pl/auth.
Steps: Applicants need to register on the platform and complete the application form, providing details about their idea and team.

Required Documentation and Materials Applicants must prepare and submit the following: - Incubation Application Form: A standard form for the incubation program. - Extended Form: An additional, more detailed form. - Multimedia Presentation: A presentation of the business idea (maximum 10 slides, in PDF format). This can include images, data, and tables not included in the application form. - Video Recording: A short video (maximum 5 minutes, in Polish) showcasing the business idea. The video should feature the main team members (up to three individuals) illustrating the idea and their motivation. Support Offered to Applicants Beyond the financial grant, the program provides comprehensive support: - Expert and Business Mentorship: Access to experienced industry and business experts. - Dedicated Incubation Manager: Individualized guidance and support throughout the incubation process. - Specialized Services: Tailored services crucial for MVP development and business model refinement, including: - Technological support - Laboratory services - Prototyping - Financial analysis - Market strategies - Basic Operational Services: Essential support for starting and running a business, such as: - Office space and coworking facilities - High-speed internet access - Accounting services - Legal and tax advisory services Project Implementation and Reporting

Incubation Process: The incubation involves intensive work over several phases, including diagnosis, development directions, problem-solution fit, value proposition refinement, prototype development, go-to-market strategy, testing experiments, and a Demo Day.
Reporting: An Incubation Manager's report will be prepared at the end of the process, documenting the startup's development history and progress.

Evaluation Criteria

The evaluation process for the 'Wschodni Akcelerator Biznesu 2' grant focuses on the innovativeness and potential of the proposed solution, along with the applicant's commitment: Core Assessment Factors

Innovation: The idea must represent an innovative solution.
Problem-Solving: The solution should address a real market need and be practical and useful.
Business Model Readiness: The project's need for support in developing its business model, especially in market verification and Minimum Viable Product (MVP) creation, is a key consideration.
Feasibility and Scalability: The idea's potential for successful implementation and future scaling will be assessed.
Social Impact: Projects that demonstrate the potential to bring positive social change are looked upon favorably.
Commitment: The dedication and readiness of the individual(s) or team to actively engage in the incubation process and develop their project are crucial.

Preferred Industry Focus (for additional scoring/support) While the grant is open to all industries, solutions falling within these areas will receive preference and may benefit from additional expert services and industry partner collaboration: - Ecology: Including ecological construction, advanced material technologies, innovative production and logistics processes, and solutions improving quality of life. - Agro-food: Focusing on high-quality food products, modern agricultural practices, and advanced food processing methods. - Industry 4.0: Encompassing economic transformation towards Industry 4.0, advanced material technologies, and optimized production and logistics processes. - Gamedev (Game Development). - Sporttech (Sports Technology). Post-Incubation Potential

Startups demonstrating the best progress and results during incubation may receive a positive recommendation to apply for further non-repayable EU funding under Component IIa – Support for startup business development, which is a significant competitive advantage.

Compliance & Special Requirements

This grant opportunity includes several compliance and special requirements that applicants must consider: Legal and Organizational Compliance

Formation of Capital Company: A strict requirement is the readiness of the individual(s) or team to officially establish a capital company (spółka kapitałowa) in Eastern Poland during the incubation process. This means the grant is for individuals/teams that will convert into a formal business entity.
Intellectual Property (IP): Applicants must demonstrate they possess exclusive rights to the innovative business idea they are proposing.

Idea and Activity Exclusions

The business idea submitted must be genuinely new and must not have been, nor currently be, the subject of any existing business activity or company previously established by the applicant(s).
Applicants are strictly prohibited from simultaneously participating in or receiving support from any other 'Startup Platform' program.

Geographic Focus

The project's implementation and the subsequent establishment of the capital company must be located within Eastern Poland. This is a hard geographical constraint for benefiting from the grant.

Funding Origin Implications

As the project is co-financed by the European Union (through the 'European Funds for Eastern Poland 2021-2027' program), the operations and reporting will likely be subject to relevant EU funding regulations and standards, although specific details for applicants are not explicitly listed in the provided documents.

Strategic Opportunities

Post-Incubation Funding: A significant strategic opportunity is the potential for the most successful startups to receive a positive recommendation for further non-repayable EU grants (Component IIa – Support for startup business development). This provides a clear pathway for continued growth after the incubation phase.

Grant Details