Recommendations for Start-Up Nation 2026
Practical tips from our experts to maximize your chances of success. We've helped over 500 entrepreneurs obtain funding.
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Check if you meet the eligibility criteria
Check Age Criteria
Start-Up Nation 2026 has two components: one for young people under 30 and one for people between 30-35 who are inactive, job seekers, or from disadvantaged groups. Make sure you fit into one of these categories.
Choose the Right CAEN Code
Check the list of eligible CAEN codes before establishing your company. Not all business domains are accepted. CAEN codes can be changed after establishment, but it's simpler to choose correctly from the start.
Company Must Be New
You can only apply with a newly established company or one less than 12 months old with no significant commercial activity. If you already have an active company, you don't qualify for this program.
Entrepreneurship Course
Although not mandatory at the time of application, completing an accredited entrepreneurship course can increase your score and approval chances. Many courses are available for free or at reduced prices.
Documentation
Required documents and how to prepare them
Business Plan Is Crucial
The business plan must be realistic, well-structured, and demonstrate project viability. Include realistic financial projections, market analysis, and a clear description of your products/services.
Detailed Price Quotes
You need a minimum of 3 price quotes for each planned purchase. Quotes must be from different suppliers, issued within the last 30 days, and contain complete technical specifications.
Valid Identity Documents
Make sure your identity document (ID/Passport) is valid and doesn't expire in the next 6 months. Expired or near-expiry documents can cause delays or application rejection.
Sworn Declarations
All declarations must be filled out correctly and signed with a qualified electronic signature. Double-check the information - false declarations can lead to rejection and legal penalties.
Budgeting
Tips for budget planning
Prepare Co-financing
The minimum own contribution is 10% of total eligible expenses. For funding of 250,000 RON, you need approximately 27,800 RON available. Make sure you have this money before applying.
Realistic and Justified Budget
Don't artificially inflate the budget to get maximum funding. Evaluators check prices and can reject projects with unrealistic budgets. Focus on what you actually need.
Prioritize Investments
Allocate budget for equipment and services that bring the most value to your business. IT and digitization are priorities - website, management software, modern IT equipment.
Contingency Reserve
Prices can change between application time and actual purchase. Keep a 5-10% reserve for price differences or unforeseen expenses in the implementation process.
Timeline
Important deadlines and planning
Apply Early
First applicants have higher approval chances. The budget is limited and runs out. Don't wait until the last day - technical problems or missing documents can cause you to miss the deadline.
Respect All Deadlines
Start-Up Nation has strict deadlines for each stage: submission, completions, contract signing, implementation. Mark them in your calendar and set reminders. Missing a deadline can mean losing funding.
Plan Implementation
After approval, you have a limited term to make all purchases and complete the project. Identify suppliers beforehand and make sure they can deliver within the imposed deadline.
Common Mistakes
Mistakes to avoid in the application process
Incomplete Applications
The most common cause of rejection is missing documents or incomplete information. Check the document list three times and complete all fields in the application.
Budget Discrepancies
Make sure the amounts in the budget correspond exactly to the attached price quotes. Differences, even small ones, can lead to project rejection or clarification requests that delay the process.
Ineligible Expenses
Not all expenses are accepted. Check the list of eligible expenses before including something in the budget. Examples of ineligible expenses: rent, salaries, purchases from relatives.
Last-Minute Submission
The platform can have technical issues during busy periods. Submit at least 2-3 days before the deadline to have time to solve any potential problems.
Application Checklist
Check off each step as you complete it. Progress is saved automatically.
Before Application
Documentation
Submission
Start-Up Nation in Numbers
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per approved project
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