Develop a business through Start-up Nation

Start-up Nation is a programme that encourages and stimulates the creation and development of small and medium-sized enterprises. The first edition was in 2017 when almost 20,000 applications were submitted, 10,000 were accepted and over 8,500 were approved. This year interest in the programme is very high, with 10,000 companies eligible for funding. Because it's not exactly easy to wade through the flood of information and requirements, machinery and equipment supply companies aim to help applicants. Felder Gruppe Romania already has experience in supporting and advising customers, writing success stories alongside those who decide to start a production activity. This year it aims again to support those starting a wood business, offering not only technical solutions but also advice and project evaluation.

Start-up Nation 2018

Start-up Nation is the only non-reimbursable 100% programme for companies set up as of 1 February 2018. It is a program where the age of the company founder is not important, but the fact that he/she has not had other companies or has not been a partner in other companies that have received funding in the last 3 years. The firm and the associate must not have debts to the state or local budgets.

This year 10,000 start-ups can receive a grant of 200,000 lei for economic activities that fall into various categories. These include "Production" and "Creative Industries", areas where those wishing to work with wood and its derivatives can apply.

The evaluation of the file is based on points that are awarded for meeting various conditions. The minimum score is 50 points, but specialists recommend reaching a minimum of 90 to have a chance of approval, as applications far exceed the offer. For example, 40 points are awarded if the company will do manufacturing (most in this category) and 35 points for creative industries. For full-time employment of 2 workers you get 20 points and for employment of 2 unemployed or 2 graduates who finished high school after 2013 you get 25 points.

A very important condition is that at least 100.000 lei of the received funds (50%) must be used for the purchase of technological equipment. And if 25% of this equipment is newer than 3 years old, a bonus of 5 points is awarded. The difference up to 200.000 lei can be used to pay salaries for one year, rent and utilities. Computers, laptops, telephones, office furniture, cars, the construction and promotion of a presentation website can also be purchased, each with a ceiling not to be exceeded.

Develop successful businesses through Start-Up Nation

Felder Gruppe Romania specialists invites you to apply for Start-Up Nation with them. It is difficult to develop a sustainable business and sometimes just a good idea and a desire to succeed are not enough to get it off the ground. That's why they offer you all the support you need for your business idea and project. The important thing is to come up with the idea and the team supports you in all stages of your project.

As I said at the beginning, Felder Gruppe Romania not only offers you technical solutions for wood processing but also dedicated services, so that the preparation of the file is made easier and the chances of success are maximized. I mention some of the services offered by the Felder Gruppe Romania team:

• Dedicated project consultants - Felder Gruppe Romania's partners have long experience and expertise so that the success rate of the project is ensured.
• Free initial project assessment - Felder's project consultancy partners will analyse your business idea and look for solutions to give your project a real chance of success.
• Free technical advice - Felder Gruppe Romania consultants will identify the most suitable machinery and machines for your project so that you not only get your business up and running but also ensure sustainable development in the future.
• Complete technical solutions - from economical machines for workshops with limited space to professional and industrial solutions for medium and large workshops, compressed air solutions or hand tools, Felder Gruppe Romania offers complete solutions tailored to your development needs.

To make it simpler, faster and safer for you, Felder Gruppe Romania has prepared predefined packages for workshops and furniture production factories. You won't waste valuable time during this period trying to identify which equipment or machinery would be most suitable for the workshop or factory you want and its production profile. These things have already been thought through by the Felder team and put together in several packages for you to choose from.

Start-up Nation is an opportunity that those who want to start a business and who meet the required conditions should take advantage of. But as there are many people interested in the programme, it is best to use all possible sources to maximise your chances of success. Good luck!