New Program for Young Graduates 2026: Grant up to €36,000 (March)

Within March 2026, a new program is expected to open for new graduates who are starting a professional activity, with a subsidy of €13,000 for a sole proprietorship or €21,000 for a company of two graduates and +€15,000 bonus if an employee is hired (with 1 year retention). It is reported that those who started in 2025 are also eligible to participate, while points are provided for affected areas and people with disabilities.

• When opens: within March 2026 (final terms are expected in the official invitation).

• How much does it give: €13,000 (individual) or €21,000 (2 graduates/company) +15,000€ (hiring 1 employee).

• Maximum amount: 36,000€ = 21,000€ + 15,000€ (cooperative + hiring bonus).

• Duration of subsidy: it has been reported that the sole proprietorship is subsidized for 18 months.

• Budget: reports indicate a budget of €70 million.

What exactly has been announced so far (and what we expect in the invitation)

The information is based on public statements/reports and describes the framework: amounts, timing, basic requirements and recruitment bonus. The final terms (CPR, expenses, supporting documents, points, payment milestones, audits) will only be “locked” when the official invitation is published

How much money does it give

1) Sole proprietorship (1 graduate): €13,000
2) Cooperative scheme (2 graduates/company): €21,000
3) Recruitment bonus: +€15,000 (with obligation to maintain position for 1 year)

Total “ceiling”: €36,000 when there is a collaborative scheme + recruitment.

Who seems to be the beneficiaries

Based on what has been reported:

• Those who have started their activity within 2025 are also eligible to participate.

• The program concerns graduates after 2016 (we await the legal wording/proof in the invitation).

• point allocation is provided for areas affected by natural disasters and for people with disabilities (PWDs).

How will the subsidy be paid (what has been written)

A payment scenario in installments has been published (e.g. for the 13,000€ in 3 periods), but the exact payment/audit scheme will be officially defined in the call

What to do today to be “Day-1 ready” (7 steps)

1. Lock item & KAD (what exactly you will do).
   Create a 3–5 page mini business plan (target market, competition, pricing, goals).

2. Create a 90 day marketing plan (site/landing, Google Ads, social, CRM).

3. Check your degree requirements (year graduation/relevance) so that you don’t get “stuck” in formalities.

4. If you want +15,000€, write a recruitment plan now (role, month of recruitment, cost, 12-month retention).

Free Pre-Check & 2026 Graduate Checklist (CTA)

Complete guide

For a detailed guide (expenses, supporting documents, frequently asked questions, steps to disbursement), see our complete guide at MegaProfit.

FAQ

1) When does the program open for new graduates?
It has been reported that it will open in March 2026, but the dates will be finalized with the official invitation.

2) How much money does it give?
€13,000 for an individual, €21,000 for a company of two graduates and +€15,000 hiring bonus (with 12-month position retention).

3) How does “up to €36,000” come out?
€36,000 = €21,000 (collaborative scheme) + €15,000 (hiring bonus).

4) Can I join if I started in 2025?
It has It was reported that yes, those who started their activity within 2025 can also participate (details will be specified in the invitation).

5) What is the duration of the grant?
A grant for 18 months has been reported (for the individual case).

6) Is there a point allocation?
Yes, a point allocation has been reported for areas of natural disasters and Disabled.

7) Do I need to be hired to get a subsidy?
No. Hiring is related to the bonus +15,000€ and requires maintaining a position for 1 year.

8) What do I need to prepare before opening?
CEO/headquarters, cost offers, 90-day mini business plan and marketing plan, so that you can apply correctly from day one.