Deadline: 23-Jun-2026
The aws First Incubator is a support programme that helps innovative and entrepreneurial individuals transform business ideas into viable start-ups through funding, coaching, mentoring, training, and networking opportunities. Designed for early-stage entrepreneurs, the programme provides structured support from idea development to the first steps of market entry.
The initiative combines financial assistance with practical business development resources, enabling participants to validate concepts, build sustainable business models, and prepare for growth within the start-up ecosystem.
About the aws First Incubator
The aws First Incubator is aimed at supporting the development of innovative business ideas across a wide range of industries. Through a combination of grant funding and incubation services, participants receive the resources needed to move from concept to implementation.
The programme focuses on helping founders overcome early-stage challenges by providing expert guidance, entrepreneurial training, and access to valuable networks. It is designed to strengthen the foundations of new ventures and improve their chances of successful market entry.
Participation in the incubator is free of charge, with all programme services covered as part of the support initiative.
Programme Objectives
The aws First Incubator seeks to support entrepreneurs in transforming innovative ideas into market-ready businesses.
Key objectives include:
- Supporting the development of new business ideas
- Encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation
- Assisting founders during the early stages of business creation
- Strengthening business planning and validation
- Facilitating market entry and business growth
- Connecting entrepreneurs with mentors and industry experts
- Expanding access to start-up networks and resources
The programme emphasizes practical support that helps participants progress from an initial idea to a functioning business model.
Funding Support
The aws First Incubator provides financial support through a call-based grant mechanism.
Key funding features include:
- Maximum support volume of up to EUR 55,000 per project
- Financial assistance for business development activities
- Funding designed to support early-stage venture creation
- Additional incentives through a gender bonus mechanism
The funding helps founders focus on building and testing their business ideas while reducing financial barriers during the start-up phase.
Eligible Project Costs
Financial support can be used to cover a variety of project-related expenses, including:
- Personnel costs
- Travel expenses
- Office and workspace costs
- Rent expenses
- Material costs
- Other project-related development expenses
These resources enable participants to dedicate time and effort to developing and implementing their business concepts.
Who Can Apply?
The programme targets innovative entrepreneurs and early-stage founders from a variety of sectors and industries.
Eligible applicants include:
- Natural persons
- Sole proprietorships
- Partnerships
- Micro enterprises
- Small businesses
- Legal entities meeting programme requirements
The programme is open to entrepreneurs at the idea and early development stage who are seeking support to transform concepts into sustainable businesses.
Incubation and Business Development Support
In addition to financial assistance, participants receive access to a comprehensive incubation programme designed to strengthen entrepreneurial skills and business readiness.
Support services include:
- Individual coaching
- Expert mentoring
- Structured training programmes
- Entrepreneurial workshops
- Business model development guidance
- Market-entry preparation
- Networking opportunities
The combination of funding and advisory support helps participants address both strategic and operational aspects of building a new venture.
Mentoring and Expert Guidance
A key component of the programme is access to experienced founders and business experts who provide mentorship throughout the incubation process.
Mentors support participants by:
- Sharing entrepreneurial experience
- Providing practical business advice
- Offering feedback on business models
- Helping identify opportunities and challenges
- Supporting decision-making during business development
This guidance helps participants navigate the complexities of launching and growing a start-up.
Workspace and Networking Opportunities
The programme provides participants with opportunities to connect with the broader start-up ecosystem.
Benefits include:
- Access to co-working spaces
- Access to office facilities across federal states
- Networking with entrepreneurs and innovators
- Connections with industry experts and stakeholders
- Participation in ecosystem events and activities
These opportunities encourage collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the development of valuable professional relationships.
Gender Bonus Support
The aws First Incubator includes a gender bonus designed to encourage female participation and leadership in entrepreneurship.
Under this mechanism:
- Additional funding support may be available
- The bonus applies when women collectively hold a significant ownership share in the business
- The initiative promotes greater diversity and inclusion within the start-up ecosystem
The gender bonus reflects the programme’s commitment to supporting a broader range of entrepreneurs and business founders.
Why the Programme Matters
Early-stage entrepreneurs often face challenges related to funding, business expertise, market access, and professional networks. The aws First Incubator addresses these barriers through an integrated support model that combines financial resources with practical entrepreneurial guidance.
The programme helps participants:
- Reduce early-stage financial pressures
- Strengthen business planning and execution
- Access expert advice and mentorship
- Build valuable industry connections
- Improve readiness for market entry
- Increase the likelihood of long-term business success
By supporting founders during the critical early stages, the programme contributes to innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the aws First Incubator?
It is a support programme that helps entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas into viable businesses through funding, mentoring, training, and networking. - How much funding is available?
The programme provides support of up to EUR 55,000 per project. - Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include natural persons, sole proprietorships, partnerships, micro enterprises, small businesses, and other eligible legal entities. - What expenses can be covered by the funding?
Funding can support personnel costs, travel expenses, rent, office space, material costs, and other project-related expenses. - Is participation in the incubator free?
Yes. Participation and all programme services are provided free of charge. - What additional support do participants receive?
Participants benefit from coaching, mentoring, workshops, training programmes, networking opportunities, and access to co-working and office spaces. - What is the gender bonus?
The gender bonus provides increased funding support when women collectively hold a significant ownership share in the business.
Conclusion
The aws First Incubator provides comprehensive support for early-stage entrepreneurs seeking to transform innovative ideas into successful businesses. Through a combination of grant funding, mentoring, training, networking, and workspace access, the programme helps founders navigate the journey from idea development to market entry. With support of up to EUR 55,000 per project and additional incentives such as the gender bonus, the initiative serves as a valuable platform for fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.
For more information, visit Austria Wirtschaftsservice Gesellschaft mbHb.