Slovak Business Agency

What it means

Slovak Business Agency is the state agency supporting small and medium-sized businesses. It offers free advice, training, mentoring and programmes for new entrepreneurs, and helps people find their way through grant and financing options.

The agency runs national business centres in the regions, where people can learn how to start a business, which legal forms exist and what obligations come with them. It also supports startups, innovation and the internationalisation of small firms.

While SARIO focuses on foreign investors and exports, Slovak Business Agency concentrates on domestic SMEs and new entrepreneurs. The two agencies complement each other in some programmes.

How it works in practice

A new entrepreneur can get advice on a business plan, the choice of legal form, such as a trade licence or an s. r. o., and basic tax and contribution obligations. The advice is general and does not replace individual tax or legal counsel.

Established firms can use training programmes, networking events, coworking spaces or support programmes for entering foreign markets. Some programmes take the form of vouchers for professional services with costs partly covered.

The agency also publishes analyses of the position of SMEs and the business environment. These data are useful for business plans and funding applications.

What to watch out for

The range of programmes depends on current funding, often from EU funds, and changes over time. Before planning, check which programmes are open and what their conditions are.

Programmes with financial support are subject to state aid rules and conditions of use. Failing to meet them can mean repaying the support, so read the conditions carefully and keep proper records.