"Opened" for those who stopped their business activity before 2022 the strengthened second business opportunity program of the OAED, with an emphasis on women and the digital economy with a subsidy of up to 36,000 euros.

Applications can be submitted by those unemployed who stopped their business activity before 2022 for the redesigned "second business opportunity" program with an emphasis on women and the digital economy.

Purpose of the programme of the OAED

The purpose of the program is to give a second business opportunity to former entrepreneurs to rejoin the labor market. The grant lasts for 12 months, with a 3-month commitment. The grant amount varies from 12,000 euros (for a sole proprietorship) to 24,000 euros (for a business with three beneficial partners). After completing the 3-month commitment, the duration can be extended by 12 monthscan be extended by 12 months 20,000 euros to 36,000 euros, upon request.

It is noted that the program has become more flexible, targeted and attractive:

• At least 40% of the positions will be filled by unemployed women
• Disabled people and female victims of gender-based violence receive 60% extra points
• Digital economy businesses receive 40% extra points
• Co-location in business incubators, coworking spaces and other entrepreneurship support structures is allowed, as well as in-house operation for digital businesses

Beneficiaries

Beneficiaries are registered unemployed who meet all the following conditions:

• have ceased business activity between 1/1/2012 - 31/12/2021
• have not transferred their business or their share in a business that belonged to spouses or persons of the first or second degree of kinship
• have not carried out any professional/business activity from 01/01/2022 until the publication of the Ministerial Decision
• have paid the monthly contribution of 10 euros to the Special Unemployment Account for at least 1 year or have settled it and are aware of the terms of the settlement

Unemployed former entrepreneurs who have not started a new activity can also apply to the program. Condition that after notification of the positive evaluation (pre-approval) of their business plan by the PES, they will proceed to start activity in a PFS within two months.

The total budget of the program amounts to 48,000,000 euros.