20000 EUR in grants for a sustainable business model

Entrepreneurs who decide to start a business and want to offer a sustainable product or service on the market can receive a grant of up to EUR 20,000 for this purpose.

This is part of the Green/Digital measure, a support for self-employment provided by the Croatian Employment Service (HZZ). In order to be eligible for self-employment support, the grant recipient must generate the majority of their income (more than 90%) from the production of green products and/or providing green services.

Example from practice – Sustainable furniture production

Pero, a carpenter with several years of work experience, decides to start his own business and open his own office furniture production after his fixed-term contract expired.

Pero can obtain EUR 20,000 in non-refundable support if he chooses a sustainable business model, which could look like this:

• Produces furniture from Croatian wood sourced from sustainable sources, certified by FSC

• The production facility is powered by solar panels

• The woodworking machines have an energy efficiency rating of A

• All production wood waste is used as a heating energy source

• Packaging is made from recycled plastic

• All waste generated is sorted and sent for recycling

• Employees wear quality protective clothing and footwear, have a four-day workweek, and receive a paid healthy hot meal

Why is it worth being sustainable?

• Starting from January 1, 2025, public administration bodies will be required to implement green public procurement for furniture, meaning that Pero will have a better chance in tenders compared to others who don’t think green.

• Numerous companies on the market also operate in a socially responsible way and want their supply chain to be sustainable, giving Pero a higher chance of being chosen as a furniture supplier.

• There is a greater likelihood of attracting quality employees who want to work for a socially responsible entrepreneur.

• In the future, Pero will secure a better interest rate for business development financing.

How can Sustainability Office help you?

If you're thinking about starting a business, contact us so we can work together to develop the sustainable business model, which will enable you to secure more grants for starting your business.