StartUP Voucher supports young graduates in creating their own jobs

07.05.2025

Applications are now open for the 4th edition of StartUP Voucher, a program that supports young entrepreneurs up to the age of 29 in creating their own jobs. The program offers conditions for the development of new business models in technological areas for young people with a university degree who live in Alentejo, Central and Northern Portugal.

StartUP Voucher lasts nine months, divided into three phases: 

  • Developing the idea 
  • Defining the business model
  • Drawing up the business plan.

A job must be created within six months of the end of the program.

In this program, young people have access to financial support, namely:

  • A monthly grant of 900 euros, awarded for exclusive dedication to the development of the business project (for nine months, up to two grant holders per project)
  • Two interim awards, to create the technical and financial conditions for the development of the project (1,500 euros if the objectives defined in the first phase of the project are achieved - after three months, plus 1,500 euros if the objectives of the second phase are achieved - after six months)
  • A completion prize of 2,000 euros, awarded upon the creation of one's own job.

Applications

To apply, young people must meet these requirements:

  • Be up to and including the age of 29
  • Have completed a degree or higher and are not working, studying or in training
  • Be Portuguese or reside in Portugal and have a tax address in one of the NUTS II regions of the North, Centre or Alentejo
  • Have no other source of income
  • Have a regular tax and social security situation.

Applications are made online, by filling in the form available on the StartUP Voucher platform. 

The deadline for applications is 6pm on August 5, 2025.

See all the details about the StartUP Voucher in the competition notice.

Source: IAPMEI