De minimis Aid For Entrepreneurs – What Do You Need To Know?

De minimis aid for entrepreneurs is one of the tools that are most often used to have the opportunity to obtain funding without extensive bureaucracy. What conditions must be met to receive it and what can it be used for? We answer below and suggest how to take advantage of it.

What is De Minimis Aid?

De minimis aid is financial support for entrepreneurs. It comes from the state, local governments, or institutions managing EU funds. Because of its small value, it does not need approval from the European Commission. The purpose of de minimis aid is to help micro, small, and medium-sized businesses grow without harming market competition.

The legal basis for de minimis aid is Commission Regulation (EU) No. 2023/2831, which sets the maximum limits and rules for granting it.

De minimis aid can be provided in the form of:

• Training
• Investment
• Tax exemptions,
• One-off depreciation,
• Preferential loans and credits,
• Waivers of Social Security interest and others.

De Minimis Aid For Entrepreneurs Limit In 2025

According to the regulations, in the period from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2030, the total amount of de minimis aid granted by one Member State to one enterprise may not exceed 300 000 EUR over 3 years.

The three-year period for assessing de minimis aid must be evaluated on a rolling basis.

What Can De Minimis Aid Be Used For?

One advantage of de minimis aid is its wide range of applications. The funds can be used for various business-supporting purposes, including:

• purchase of machinery and equipment,
• co-financing of employee training,
• participation in trade fairs and economic missions,
• investment support,
• covering the costs of consulting,
• financing employment costs,
• development services, digitisation, process automation.

Many operational programs under EU funds use this form of support. Thanks to this it is easily accessible for businesses from various industries.

Conditions For Granting De Minimis Aid For Entrepreneurs

To receive de minimis aid, an entrepreneur must meet certain requirements:

• conduct business by EU regulations,
• do not exceed the limit of 300 000 EUR within 3 tax years,
• do not operate in excluded sectors, e.g. fisheries, primary production of agricultural products,
• submit a complete application with the required documents (including the information form for applying for de minimis aid, a declaration of previously received aid, and financial statements)

How to Check How Much De Minimis Aid You Have Already Received?

In Poland, every entrepreneur can check the amount of de minimis aid they have received via the SUDOP. It is a Public Aid Information Sharing System, afree online database.

All you need to do is enter the company’s tax identification number. You willget a full list of the funds granted. This allows you to avoid exceeding the limit.

De Minimis Aid For Entrepreneurs And EU Funds

De minimis aid for entrepreneurs is often a form of settlement for EU support. In practice, this means that:

• many granting competitions provide funding under the de minimis scheme,
• some programs (e.g. training or consulting) offer coverage of up to 80-100% of the costs,
• own contribution may be needed, but it is usually lower than in standard programs.

De minimis aid for entrepreneurs is therefore a convenient model of co-financing. Especially for companies that cannot participate in large investment projects.

How to Get De Minimis Aid For Entrepreneurs?

The process of applying for de minimis aid is usually similar, regardless of the source:

1. Check available programs (e.g., through PARP in Poland, the District Labour Office, or other regional funds).
2. Prepare documents: application, information form, declarations, financial statements.
3. Apply online or in paper form, depending on the institution.
4. Undergo formal and substantive evaluation.
5. Sign the agreement and receive the funds.
6. Settle the project inaccordance with the agreement.

Common Mistakes And Risks

Despite the simplified procedure, entrepreneurs often make mistakes, such as:

• lack of knowledge about the current limit,
• not considering previous grants when applying for new ones,
• incomplete applications,
• untimely settlement of the project.

It is worth using the support of advisors who specialise in grant settlements.

De Minimis Aid For Entrepreneurs- Summary

De minimis aid is an effective and accessible tool to support entrepreneurs. It gives the opportunity to obtain real funds without time-consuming procedures. In 2025, the limit is 300 000 EUR. The funds can be for development, training, investment or employment. 

Are you running a business and want to obtain funding under the de minimis aid scheme? Check the available programs in your region and consult an expert. Don’t miss the opportunity – EU funds are still available. Using them can accelerate the development of your business.

Frequently Asked Questions: De Minimis Aid For Entrepreneurs