Call for Applications: Kickstart Micro Grant Program (Denmark)

The Mikrolegat Kickstart Micro Grant Program provides up to DKK 50,000 in non-repayable funding to vocational students and recent graduates in Denmark to develop early-stage business ideas. Administered by the Danish Foundation for Entrepreneurship, the program supports startup development, sustainability, green transition, and business skills. Applications are accepted four times per year, with funding available both with and without a CVR number.

Program Overview

The Kickstart Micro Grant Program is offered by Mikrolegat and administered by the Danish Foundation for Entrepreneurship.

The program supports vocational students and recent graduates in Denmark who want to transform early-stage ideas into viable startups.

This is a grant, not a loan. The funding does not need to be repaid.

Funding Amount

Funding depends on business registration status.

Without CVR Number

Up to DKK 25,000
No self-financing requirement

With CVR Number

Up to DKK 50,000
25% self-financing required
Company must:
- Be established within the last 12 months
- Have total turnover not exceeding DKK 50,000

Applicants may receive two grants for the same idea:

First grant without a CVR number
Second grant after registering a CVR number

This structure supports gradual startup development.

What Is a CVR Number?

A CVR number is the official business registration number in Denmark.

Required for formally registered companies
Necessary to access higher grant funding (DKK 50,000 tier)
Must meet age and turnover limits

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

Education Status

Vocational education student in Denmark
OR
Graduated within three months of the application deadline

Location

Must be studying or recently graduated in Denmark

Application Type

May apply individually
OR
As a team

Both early-stage entrepreneurs and idea-phase innovators are encouraged to apply.

What Types of Ideas Are Supported?

The program supports idea and startup development in areas such as:

Green transition and sustainability
Business development
Financial literacy
Legal and regulatory knowledge
Payment systems
Patent and trademark opportunities
Sales and marketing
Market and customer analysis
E-commerce and digital platforms

Strong emphasis is placed on sustainability and green transition integration.

Additional Benefits Beyond Funding

All grant recipients receive structured support:

1. Assigned Mentor

Each recipient is matched with a mentor and meets at least three times.

Mentorship focuses on:

Self-employment guidance
Business model development
Sustainability integration
Financial and legal awareness
Marketing and customer strategy
Access to professional networks

2. Feedback for All Applicants

All applicants receive written feedback from the evaluation committee, regardless of funding outcome.

This includes:

Idea improvement suggestions
Sustainability enhancement advice
Application quality recommendations

3. Visibility and Promotion

Grant recipients gain exposure through:

Wall of Fame features
Social media promotion
Selected case presentations

This visibility can support credibility and investor interest.

Selection Committee

Applications are evaluated by a committee composed of:

Experienced entrepreneurs
Business professionals
Investors

Projects are assessed based on innovation, feasibility, sustainability integration, and team capability.

Application Requirements

Each application must include:

Written responses describing:
- The business idea
- The team
- Market potential
Detailed budget (including VAT)
Video pitch (maximum four minutes)
- Must be uploaded to YouTube
- Clearly explain idea, problem, solution, and impact

Incomplete applications may be rejected.

Application Deadlines

Applications are accepted four times per year:

End of February
End of May
End of September
End of November

Applicants typically receive responses within four to six weeks after each deadline.

How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure you:

Are a vocational student or recent graduate (within three months)
Are based in Denmark
Meet CVR requirements if applying under the higher tier

Step 2: Develop Your Idea

Clearly define:

The problem you are solving
Your solution
Target customers
Revenue model
Sustainability or green transition component

Step 3: Prepare Budget

Create a realistic, detailed budget including VAT.

Specify:

Equipment costs
Marketing expenses
Development costs
Legal or registration fees

Step 4: Record Video Pitch

Keep it under four minutes.

Cover:

Idea overview
Market opportunity
Why your team can execute
How funding will be used

Step 5: Submit Before Deadline

Choose the appropriate quarterly deadline and submit online.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid the following:

Submitting unclear or underdeveloped ideas
Ignoring sustainability or green transition elements
Providing unrealistic budgets
Exceeding turnover limits for CVR applicants
Poorly structured video pitch
Missing the application deadline

Clear market understanding and structured planning increase success.

Why This Grant Matters

The Mikrolegat Kickstart Micro Grant Program:

Encourages entrepreneurship among vocational students
Supports early-stage business validation
Promotes green transition and sustainable business models
Builds financial and legal literacy
Provides mentorship and professional exposure

It reduces financial barriers for young entrepreneurs entering the startup ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is the Mikrolegat grant a loan?

No. It is a non-repayable grant.

2. How much funding can I receive?

Up to DKK 25,000 without a CVR number or up to DKK 50,000 with a CVR number (with 25% self-financing).

3. Can I apply without registering a company?

Yes. You can apply for up to DKK 25,000 without a CVR number.

4. Can I apply twice for the same idea?

Yes. First without a CVR number and later with one, if eligible.

5. Who can apply?

Vocational education students in Denmark or graduates within three months of the application deadline.

6. How often can I apply?

Four times per year: February, May, September, and November deadlines.

7. When will I receive results?

Typically within four to six weeks after the application deadline.

Conclusion

The Mikrolegat Kickstart Micro Grant Program provides up to DKK 50,000 in non-repayable funding, mentorship, and visibility to vocational students and recent graduates in Denmark. With structured quarterly deadlines and tiered funding options based on business registration, the program supports early-stage entrepreneurship and sustainable innovation.

Eligible applicants should prepare a strong business concept, realistic budget, and compelling video pitch to maximize their chances of success.