Starting Platforms is a program implemented by Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP). The program is aimed to intensify the development of the Eastern Poland, through the support of innovative enterprises from this macroregion. It is dedicated to beginning entrepreneurs from all  Poland who seek support in developing an idea into a mature, prospering business and plan to set up a business in following voivodships: Lubelskie, Podkarpackie, Podlasie, Świętokrzyskie or Warmian-Masurian.

Participation in the program will provide you with comprehensive support in the development of your business. You will also receive a place to run business, legal and administrative assistance, marketing consulting and support in implementing the idea to the market – both from the business and technological side. What's more, after successful incubation stage, the best companies participating in the program will be able to apply for a non-repayable subsidy up to PLN 1 million. 

Six centers from the Eastern Poland were selected for the second edition of the program, which will support the best ideas in the competition:

• Białystok – Białostocki Park Naukowo-Technologiczny;
• Polska Fundacja Ośrodków Wspomagania Rozwoju Gospodarczego „OIC Poland”;
• Puławski Park Naukowo-Technologiczny.;
• Park Naukowo-Technologiczny Energii;
• Rzeszowska Agencja Rozwoju Regionalnego.;
• Gmina Olsztyn – Olsztyński Park Naukowo-Technologiczny.

Each platform includes a number of institutions, including investment funds, business environment institutions, enterprises, universities and local government. Thanks to the cooperation, they create the whole ecosystem that will meet the diverse needs of the young innovator. Incubation paths developed by operators were adapted to the needs of industries – crucial to the Eastern Poland microregion, including the following areas:

• ICT;
• food production;
• metal and machinery industry;
• energetics;
• tourism;
• medicine and health;
• smart city (transport and automotive);
• ecology;
• aircraft;
• automotive;
• construction.

Learn more about the details of Starting Platform on the dedicated website. In January 2019 recruitment to the program will started. Applications can be sent via a specially prepared application form. Candidates, who pass the initial verification stage, will have a meeting with experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts. In the final stage, the expert panel will pick the best teams. Nearly, 1,300 startups may participate in the program.