Poland launches youth business loan scheme and social‑enterprise training program

On 30 October 2025 the Silesian Fund for Development opened continuous applications for the Fund of Investment in Young Talent – a loan with a grant. Eligible applicants are students or graduates up to 35 years old who plan to start or develop a business in the Silesian voivodeship. Loans of up to 300 000 PLN are offered at 1 % interest for up to seven years, with a 12‑month grace period, no fees and a possible forgiveness of up to 30 % of the fund’s contribution after 24 months of operation. The scheme is run by the Bielskie Centrum Przedsiębiorczości together with the Silesian Fund for Development.

A separate programme, “Social Enterprise Step by Step”, accepts applications until 4 September 2026 from organisations in the Leszno sub‑region (Leszno city and surrounding counties). Managed by the Association Centre PISOP within the Social Economy Support Centre, the project provides three‑day group training, legal and business advisory, and access to financing for hiring persons at risk of social exclusion. Participants must complete at least 75 % of the training pathway to qualify for funding of new social‑enterprise jobs.