In 2024, we wrote about KPO HoReCa grants in Poland. That funding round has now closed, but many people still find this article while looking for financial support to open a cafe, buy an espresso machine or equip a hospitality business. That’s why we’ve updated the guide. We’ll show you where to look for funding to start or grow a food and beverage business today.
First, an important point: we are not grant advisers or operators of any funding programme. Grant amounts, deadlines and eligibility requirements can change. Individual offices may also have different rules. This guide will help you find a suitable programme and check whether you might qualify. Always confirm the conditions with the programme operator before applying.
What happened to KPO HoReCa grants in Poland?
The KPO HoReCa programme, officially investment A1.2.1, supported micro, small and medium-sized businesses in hospitality, hotels, tourism and culture that were affected by the pandemic. Applications in 2024 were managed by PARP through regional operators. The maximum grant was PLN 540,000 and could cover up to 90% of eligible costs. Applicants had to demonstrate a year-on-year fall in turnover of at least 20% in either 2020 or 2021, under the final eligibility rules. Projects had to be completed within a short timeframe.
Applications for KPO HoReCa funding are now closed. Advertisements offering grants from this programme for espresso machines or cafe equipment based on the 2024 rules are outdated. The deadline of 31 August 2026 applied to the implementation of reforms and investments under the KPO, but it did not mean that every funded project had to end on that date. However, another HoReCa application round should not be expected under the completed A1.2.1 investment.
HoReCa grants in Poland: where to look for funding
Below are the main sources of support for people opening or expanding a cafe or restaurant. Check who can apply, what the money can be used for and where to find current funding opportunities. The “Where to check” column is particularly useful.
| Funding source | Who can apply | What it covers | Where to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labour office grant for starting a business | Unemployed people and certain other groups registered with a labour office | Starting a business, including equipment purchases | District labour office responsible for your place of residence |
| Reimbursement of workplace equipment costs | Employers who hire someone referred by a labour office | Workstation equipment, such as an espresso machine or grinder for a new barista | District labour office responsible for the company’s registered location |
| National Training Fund (KFS) | Employers and their employees | Training and courses, such as barista training | District labour office, with application rounds usually held early in the year |
| Development Services Database (BUR) | Micro, small and medium-sized businesses | Funding for training and consultancy services | uslugirozwojowe.parp.gov.pl and operators in your region |
| Regional European Funds programmes | Businesses operating in a particular Polish voivodeship | Often loans and other repayable financing, sometimes grants | Regional government office and regional financial institutions |
| Local Action Groups and Local Fisheries Groups | Businesses in rural and fishing areas, including some coastal towns | Start-up grants and business development support | Local Action Group (LGD) or Local Fisheries Group (LGR) covering your municipality |
| Leasing and loans | Any business | Purchasing an espresso machine and equipment without a large upfront investment | Leasing companies, banks and loan funds |
Some programmes provide support under de minimis aid rules. Since 2024, the general limit has been EUR 300,000 for a single undertaking over a 3-year period. If your company has already received this type of support, check how much of the allowance you’ve used. Any additional de minimis aid reduces the remaining limit.
Labour office grants for opening a cafe
If you’re planning to open a cafe, check the business start-up grants available through your district labour office. The statutory maximum is up to 6 times the average wage, but each office determines the actual amount available. Application deadlines and eligible expenses also vary. Unemployed people, graduates of Social Integration Centres (CIS) and Social Integration Clubs (KIS), and unemployed carers of people with disabilities who are registered as jobseekers may apply if they meet the statutory requirements. Labour office budgets are limited, so it’s worth checking announcements regularly and applying early in the application period.
What to consider before applying:
- The grant requires you to run your business for at least 12 months. If you fail to meet the terms of the agreement, you may have to repay the money.
- Labour offices often restrict spending on renovations and vehicles. Espresso machines and other catering equipment may be easier to include as eligible expenses, but everything depends on the rules of the specific funding round.
- Prepare a business plan and a detailed shopping list with prices for your application. It’s worth collecting quotations for your espresso machine, grinder and other equipment in advance.
If you employ an unemployed person referred by the labour office, check whether you can receive reimbursement for equipping or upgrading their workstation. For staff training, you can look into support from the National Training Fund (KFS). Since 2026, the programme has also covered certain groups of sole traders and people working under civil law contracts. Read more about developing your team’s skills in our article on barista training in cafes.
Regional European Funds for hospitality businesses
Under the European Funds programmes for 2021-2027, it’s difficult to find funding schemes intended exclusively for cafes and restaurants. However, hospitality businesses may qualify for selected forms of support for small companies, including preferential loans. In Poland’s West Pomeranian Voivodeship, the European Funds for Western Pomerania 2021-2027 programme is available. You can check current application rounds, grants and repayable financing options at funduszeeuropejskie.gov.pl.
It’s also worth checking Local Action Groups and Local Fisheries Groups. They announce funding rounds to support business development in specific areas. Kołobrzeg has a Fisheries Local Action Group called “Morze i Parsęta”, whose area covers both the city and the municipality of Kołobrzeg. Grant amounts may be smaller than in major programmes, but some application rounds also attract fewer applicants. Eligibility depends on the programme rules, the type of investment and the company’s location. Not every programme is open to hospitality businesses.
Can you get a grant for an espresso machine?
Espresso machines, grinders and water filtration systems are standard cafe equipment. These purchases may qualify for business start-up grants or workplace equipment reimbursements. However, the rules of each programme determine what is eligible. There is no single official list of espresso machines that qualify for grant funding. If someone presents such a list, ask them to identify the programme and the legal basis for it.
We can help you choose the right equipment for your business and prepare a quotation for your grant application. We’ve explained the entire process, from choosing a machine to getting it up and running, in our article on buying an espresso machine for your cafe with Colbergcoffee. You can explore our range of commercial espresso machines, commercial coffee grinders and water filters.
How to prepare a funding application
- Make a list of the equipment you need. Include net and gross prices and supplier quotations. Don’t buy equipment just because you might receive a grant for it.
- Check whether you meet the eligibility requirements. Factors include your unemployment status, whether you already run a business, your history of receiving de minimis aid and how much of your allowance remains available.
- Read the application guidelines. Check which expenses are eligible or excluded, project completion deadlines and how long you must continue running the business.
- Prepare a realistic business plan. Calculate how many coffees you expect to sell each day, the average price per drink, product costs, wages and other expenses. Our guide on how to open a cafe step by step will help.
- Don’t buy equipment before checking the programme rules. Some funding rounds allow expenses to be incurred after submitting the application, even before signing the agreement. Others require you to wait. Always check the date from which expenses become eligible so you don’t lose the opportunity to claim them.
When putting together your shopping list, read our guide to specialty cafe equipment. It’s also worth checking our article on 8 common mistakes made by first-time cafe owners to avoid costly decisions when starting out.
Where to find up-to-date funding information
- European Funds Portal: the official search tool for grants, loans and other forms of business support.
- PARP: information about national business support programmes, current application rounds and business financing conditions.
- Development Services Database: a search tool for training and consultancy services that may qualify for funding, including through regional operators.
- Zielona Linia: information about labour office services, business start-up grants and available employment support programmes.
- District labour office, regional government office and the relevant Local Action Group or Local Fisheries Group: these are the places to check which programmes are available in your region and when applications can be submitted.
Frequently asked questions about HoReCa grants in Poland
Are KPO HoReCa grants still available?
There are no new application rounds under investment A1.2.1. The KPO HoReCa programme accepted applications in 2024 and has since closed. You can no longer submit a new application for an espresso machine or hospitality equipment grant under this programme.
Where can I get funding to open a cafe?
Start with your district labour office if you belong to a group eligible for a business start-up grant. Also check funding rounds organised by Local Action Groups and Local Fisheries Groups. Larger investments can be financed through preferential loans from regional funds or through leasing.
Can I buy an espresso machine with grant funding?
Yes. Many programmes allow espresso machines to be purchased as eligible expenses. It depends on the purpose of the grant and the application rules. There is no single official list of models that qualify for funding.
How much is the labour office grant for starting a business?
The statutory maximum is up to 6 times the average wage. The actual amount depends on the labour office’s regulations, available funds and the conditions of the application round. Check the current limit with your district labour office.
What is de minimis aid?
It’s a form of state aid with a limit on the total amount a business can receive. Since 2024, the general limit has been EUR 300,000 for a single undertaking over a 3-year period. Many grants and preferential loans are awarded under these rules. If you’ve already received this type of support, any additional aid will reduce your remaining allowance.
Can I get funding for barista training?
Yes. Check the National Training Fund (KFS) through your district labour office and training opportunities available through the Development Services Database. The KFS can support training for employees, employers and other eligible working people. Requirements and application deadlines depend on the programme and the relevant operator.
Can Colbergcoffee help me obtain a grant?
We are not grant advisers or operators of funding programmes. However, we can help you choose an espresso machine, grinder and other equipment suited to your business and prepare the equipment quotation needed for your application.
Przeczytaj też
Caffè latte: what it is, ratios and recipe
Caffè latte step by step: espresso to milk ratios, steaming milk on an espresso machine
Nov
Viennese coffee: recipe, Einspänner and Wiener Melange
Viennese coffee step by step: which cream to use, how to whip it so it
Nov
Coffee with lemon (espresso romano): recipe and facts
Coffee with lemon step by step: espresso romano with lemon peel, iced versions, mazagran and
Nov
Bulletproof coffee: recipe, calories and what research says
Bulletproof coffee: a recipe with exact amounts, calories, butter vs ghee, MCT oil and how
Nov
Frappe: how to make Greek iced coffee
Greek frappe step by step: ratios, sketos, metrios and glykos, shaking technique and mistakes that
Nov
How to make filter coffee: ratio, grind size and temperature
How to make filter coffee: how much coffee per litre of water, how to grind,
Oct
Coffee on an empty stomach: is it bad for you? What the research says
Is coffee on an empty stomach bad for you? What research says about stomach acid,
Oct
Affogato: what it is and how to make one
An affogato is an Italian dessert: a scoop of vanilla ice cream drowned in hot
Oct
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. The Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.