Thinking about starting your own business? There are more grants available than most people know about. From the Arbetsförmedlingen activity support to Almi microloans and regional grants. Here is a complete overview of what you can apply for in 2026.
The best known: start-your-own-business grant (starta eget-bidrag) via Arbetsförmedlingen
What is usually called the "starta eget-bidrag" is really activity support (aktivitetsstöd) from Försäkringskassan while you take part in the Arbetsförmedlingen programme "Stöd till start av näringsverksamhet" (support for starting a business).
You keep your benefit (activity support (aktivitetsstöd) or development allowance) for up to six months while you build up your business. If you have a disability, the period can be extended to ten months.
Requirements to qualify:
- You are at least 18 years old.
- You are registered as a jobseeker with Arbetsförmedlingen.
- You are unemployed or at risk of becoming unemployed.
- You have actively looked for work without success.
- Your business idea is judged capable of becoming profitable over time.
- You have not already started the business.
The amount you receive depends on your previous income and whether you are entitled to unemployment insurance (A-kassa). Arbetsförmedlingen makes an individual assessment of each application.
How to apply for the start-your-own-business grant
Talk to Arbetsförmedlingen
Book a meeting and tell them about your business idea. They assess whether you are eligible for the programme.
Write a business plan and budget
Show that your idea can support itself financially. Describe the target group, revenue model and costs.
External assessment
Your business plan is reviewed by an independent party who decides whether the idea is realistic.
Wait for approval
Do not start before you have been given the go-ahead. If you do, you lose your right to the grant.
Start and report
During the support period you run your business and report to Arbetsförmedlingen.
Common reasons for rejection
- An unclear business idea with no defined target group.
- A weak budget where income and costs do not add up.
- No plan for how you will win customers in the first few months.
- You have already started the business before the application was approved.
- Payment defaults or debts that affect the assessment.
Almi: loans and advice for new founders
Almi is the state-owned company for business financing. They lend money when the bank does not want to take on the whole risk, and they offer free advice.
Microloan - up to SEK 200,000. Suits you if you are starting up or are under 25. The interest rate is normally 6-9%. You only need to provide a personal guarantee of 10% of the loan amount. Repayment period up to six years.
Start-up loan - up to SEK 400,000. No requirement for a long trading history. A good option if you need more capital than the microloan covers.
Almi can often be combined with other grants. For example, you can have the start-your-own-business grant for your living costs and a microloan for equipment and materials.
Regional support and grants
Depending on where in Sweden you live and which industry you are in, there may be regional support to apply for:
- Consultancy checks - grants to bring in outside expertise, for example a business developer or marketer.
- Investment grants - support for machinery, equipment or premises, especially in the assisted areas of northern Sweden.
- Business development checks - from Tillväxtverket, for small businesses that want to develop their operations.
Contact your region's Tillväxtverket office or County Administrative Board (länsstyrelsen) to see what is available right now. The offering varies between regions and changes continuously.
Extra support for people with a disability
If you have a disability that affects your ability to work, you can receive a special grant for start-up costs of up to SEK 60,000. It can cover equipment, adaptations or other costs linked to the launch.
You need to be registered as a jobseeker and have long-term plans for your business.
Free advice: NyföretagarCentrum
Before you apply for any support, talk to NyföretagarCentrum. They offer free advice and help you test your business idea, write a business plan and understand which grants you can apply for. They are present in over 200 locations across Sweden.
Summary
There is more support for you as a new founder than just the Arbetsförmedlingen grant. Almi loans, regional checks and free advice via NyföretagarCentrum can all be part of your plan. Start by mapping out what you qualify for, and feel free to combine several grants.
Not sure whether you qualify? Contact us - the analysis is free and you pay nothing until the money has been granted.