Emerging Talents: Project Extension Grant Program (Switzerland)

The Emerging Talents: Project Extension Grant Program supports emerging professional designers in Switzerland with grants of up to CHF 20,000 to expand design projects that are already at an advanced stage. The funding helps designers strengthen market success through activities such as marketing, public relations, website development, and e-commerce while preparing projects for long-term commercial growth.

Emerging Talents: Project Extension Grant Program Overview

The Emerging Talents: Project Extension Grant Program is designed for professional designers who have already developed an advanced design project and now require support to expand its market presence.

Unlike grants that fund concept development or prototype creation, this programme focuses on project extension by supporting activities that improve visibility, commercial reach, scalability, and long-term business success.

In addition to financial support, selected applicants may also receive individual coaching to strengthen their market strategy and professional development.

Funding Available

Successful applicants may receive:

• Maximum grant: Up to CHF 20,000

Additional support may include:

• Individual coaching and professional guidance.

Objectives of the Grant

The programme aims to:

• Support the commercial growth of advanced design projects.
• Increase market visibility.
• Improve long-term business sustainability.
• Help designers reach new customers.
• Strengthen branding and communication.
• Encourage scalable business development.
• Promote innovative Swiss design internationally.

Funding Priorities

The programme supports activities that help projects grow in the marketplace, including:

• Public relations campaigns.
• Marketing activities.
• Brand development.
• Website creation.
• E-commerce (e-shop) development.
• Market expansion initiatives.
• Business scalability.
• Commercial growth strategies.

Projects should demonstrate strong potential for sustainable market success.

Who Is Eligible?

The programme is open to emerging professional designers in Switzerland.

Eligible applicants include:

• Independent designers.
• Self-employed professionals.
• Sole proprietors.
• Design companies.
• Design studios.

Applicants must satisfy all programme eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be emerging professional designers.
• Have completed design-related education less than seven years ago, or
• Have registered as:
  • A self-employed professional.
  • A sole proprietorship.
  • A company.
    Within the previous seven years.
• Hold the copyright and usage rights for the submitted project.
• Demonstrate a clear connection between the project and Switzerland.
• Ensure the project is of nationwide importance.
• Secure adequate co-funding from public or private sources.
• Guarantee fair working conditions throughout the project.
• Ensure that at least 50% of project participants are:
  • Swiss citizens, or
  • Permanent residents of Switzerland.
• Ensure eligible participants have their primary place of work in Switzerland.

Applicants may submit only one project per funding category.

Eligible Project Activities

Funding may be used for activities such as:

• Marketing campaigns.
• Public relations initiatives.
• Website development.
• Online store (e-shop) creation.
• Brand communication.
• Market expansion strategies.
• Customer acquisition activities.
• Business growth planning.
• Project scaling initiatives.

The project should already be at an advanced stage and demonstrate readiness for market expansion.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must prepare a complete application package in English.

Project Concept

A project concept of up to 10 A4 pages must include:

• Project presentation.
• Description of the project.
• Scalability strategy, or
• Detailed explanation of the project phase to be completed.

Value Proposition Form

Applicants must complete the official Value Proposition Form available through the application portal.

Supporting Documents

Applications must also include:

• Resumes (CVs) of all participants.
• Portfolios of all participants.
• Overview of the project’s organizational structure.
• Description of roles and responsibilities.
• Proof of Emerging Talent status:
  • Diploma, or
  • Registration documents.
• Detailed project budget.
• Labour input information.
• Financial planning.
• Proof of copyright ownership.
• Proof of rights of use.

Application Language

All application materials must be submitted in English.

Incomplete applications or documents submitted in other languages may not be considered.

Why This Grant Matters

The Emerging Talents: Project Extension Grant Program helps designers:

• Move beyond product development into commercial growth.
• Reach larger domestic and international markets.
• Build stronger brands.
• Improve digital visibility.
• Develop professional online sales channels.
• Strengthen long-term business sustainability.
• Increase competitiveness within the Swiss design industry.

The programme bridges the gap between successful product development and sustainable commercial success.

How to Apply

Follow these general steps:

1. Confirm that you meet the Emerging Talent eligibility requirements.
2. Ensure your project is already in an advanced stage of development.
3. Secure the required co-funding.
4. Prepare a project concept (maximum 10 A4 pages).
5. Complete the official Value Proposition Form.
6. Gather all required supporting documents.
7. Prepare a detailed project budget and financial plan.
8. Verify proof of copyright and rights of use.
9. Ensure every document is written in English.
10. Submit the complete application before the programme deadline.

Tips for a Strong Application

Improve your chances of success by:

• Demonstrating a clear market growth strategy.
• Explaining how funding will increase commercial success.
• Presenting realistic financial planning.
• Showing evidence of project scalability.
• Demonstrating strong branding and marketing plans.
• Providing complete documentation.
• Highlighting the project’s national importance.
• Explaining long-term sustainability.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

• Submitting projects that are still in the early concept stage.
• Failing to provide proof of copyright ownership.
• Omitting evidence of co-funding.
• Submitting incomplete project concepts.
• Providing documents in languages other than English.
• Failing to demonstrate scalability or market potential.
• Not meeting Swiss participation requirements.
• Submitting more than one project within the same funding category.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much funding is available?

Successful applicants may receive grants of up to CHF 20,000.

2. What types of activities are supported?

The grant supports market growth activities such as public relations, marketing, website development, e-shop creation, branding, and project expansion.

3. Who can apply?

Emerging professional designers whose design-related education or business registration dates back less than seven years may apply if they meet all programme requirements.

4. Is co-funding required?

Yes. Projects must receive adequate co-funding from public or private funding sources.

5. What documents are required?

Applicants must submit a project concept (up to 10 A4 pages), Value Proposition Form, CVs, portfolios, organizational overview, proof of Emerging Talent status, detailed budget, financial plan, and proof of copyright and rights of use.

6. Must the application be submitted in English?

Yes. All application documents must be submitted in English.

7. What are the Swiss participation requirements?

At least 50% of project participants must be Swiss citizens or permanent residents whose primary place of work is in Switzerland.

Conclusion

The Emerging Talents: Project Extension Grant Program provides up to CHF 20,000 to help emerging professional designers in Switzerland expand advanced projects and achieve stronger commercial success. By supporting marketing, public relations, digital sales channels, and business growth strategies, the programme enables designers to scale innovative projects, strengthen their market presence, and build sustainable creative businesses while contributing to the continued growth of Switzerland’s design sector.