PIPELINEGuide
Online shop: using funding in Austria
There are several funding schemes in Austria for digitalization projects like an online shop. Which ones apply, what deadlines to observe, and where the most common mistake lies.
There are several funding schemes for digitalization projects in Austria, such as KMU.DIGITAL (SME.DIGITAL funding program) or the aws-Digitalisierungsförderung (Austria Wirtschaftsservice digitalization funding). Whether and to what extent one of these currently applies to your project, we'll check individually with you. Current terms: kmudigital.at, aws.at. The sequence is critical in every case: first the approved application, then the order for the online shop.
01 — Funding
Subsidies in Austria
For digitalization projects, there are several funding programs in Austria, such as KMU.DIGITAL or the aws digitalization funding. Whether and to what extent one of these is currently relevant for your project, we'll review with you individually. Current conditions: kmudigital.at, aws.at.
Which program is relevant, how high the subsidy currently is, and whether the budget for the current funding period is still open changes regularly — plus there are regional funding programs that vary by federal state. Only the information from the funding agencies themselves is reliable, not a fixed percentage stated here.
The most common mistake is always the same: commission first, then want funding. That doesn't work. Allow several weeks of lead time for application and approval.
02 — Price
What it costs
- Price
- Individual based on effort
- Typical duration
- 6 to 12 weeks
Depending on catalog size and integrations; migrations separate. A fixed price can only be quoted seriously after the initial meeting — send us a brief description of your project, and we'll send a proposal that fits the scope and effort.
03 — Process
How a funding application works
Check funding program
Which program fits the project and company size. This determines the subsidy amount and effort.
Obtain quote
A quote is usually required for the application — commissioning does not happen yet.
Submit application
Submission with project description, cost breakdown and schedule.
Wait for approval
Only after approval is the commission placed. If you commission earlier, you lose the funding.
Implement and settle accounts
After completion, final accounting with supporting documents follows.
04 — Questions
Frequently asked questions
How many products are still manageable without expensive additional systems?
Up to a few hundred products, the standard features of common platforms are perfectly sufficient. Only with several thousand products with complex variants is it worth looking at specialized inventory management.
What does ongoing operation cost?
Platform fees, payment providers, hosting and maintenance are ongoing costs, even before the first order comes in. How much that is in each case depends on the chosen platform and the product range — we calculate this transparently in the quote so there are no surprises.
Does our shop need to be accessible?
Yes, very likely. Online shops in consumer business are explicitly listed in the Austrian Barrierefreiheitsgesetz (Accessibility Act), which has been in effect since June 28, 2025. The exemption for micro-enterprises applies to services, not to product sales. Violations can be penalized with administrative fines up to 80,000 euros.
What about returns?
The cancellation policy and the technical process for returns are part of the legally compliant basic setup. How you handle returns in practice remains your decision — we implement what you define.
Can we sell internationally?
Yes, that's a matter of setup, not platform: languages, currencies, shipping zones and tax rates per target country need to be configured properly — we plan that in from the start if desired.
How does VAT work for EU shipping?
Above the threshold, tax is paid in the destination country, usually through the One-Stop-Shop procedure. The store must calculate tax rates correctly for each country — this is set up during setup and isn't a detail you patch afterward.
Shopify, WooCommerce or something else?
Shopify if you want to start quickly and can live with the ongoing fees. WooCommerce if you already run WordPress and have someone who does updates. With complex inventory management, it's worth looking at specialized systems. There's no answer that's right for everyone.
Next step
Initial assessment, no obligation.
Briefly describe what you need. You'll get an honest answer about what's realistic and what it will roughly cost.