Rural development support
Covers half the cost of expert services for rural companies. Typical amount: costs €5k–100k (aid €2.5k–50k) (50%).
Facts last verified 23.7.2026
Covers half the cost of expert services for rural companies. It replaced the ELY consulting services that ended in 2024.
Key facts
- Provider: Ruokavirasto / Elinvoimakeskus
- Type: Grant
- Typical amount: costs €5k–100k (aid €2.5k–50k)
- Rate / terms: 50%
- Legal basis: De minimis
- Who it is for: Micro to small companies · R&D, international growth, digitalisation
How to apply
Regional business development aid is applied for from your regional authority through the state administration's e-service; rural instruments are applied for in Ruokavirasto's Hyrrä service. In both, apply before starting the project — costs incurred before the application is submitted are typically not eligible at all.
Regional eligibility does the heavy lifting: the same project can get a very different support level depending on your municipality's support area. Verify your region's status before building the budget.
Decisions reference your project plan literally, so describe concrete measures and costs, not ambitions. Check current terms with the granting authority before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Rural development support provide?
Typical amount: costs €5k–100k (aid €2.5k–50k). Support level / terms: 50%.
Who can apply for Rural development support?
Provider: Ruokavirasto / Elinvoimakeskus. Company size: micro, small. Typical use: R&D, international growth, digitalisation.
On what legal basis is Rural development support granted?
De minimis. De minimis aid counts toward your company's cumulative de minimis ceiling over a rolling three-year period, so track your total before applying.
Indicative screening information, not advice. Amounts and rules change, so confirm the current terms and eligibility with the provider before you rely on them.
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