Applications and financing in the same room
The events combined a five-step explanation of the application process with information about financial requirements. Existing shop operators and advisers answered questions, while partner stands offered individual conversations. Participants could discuss their circumstances with disability organisations, the public employment service and financing specialists, rather than receiving only a general presentation. MVG managing director Hannes Hofer presented the series as a way of making the opportunities for self-employment more visible and encouraging interested people to explore them. [1]
Disability organisations contribute employment advice
The ÖZIV Bundesverband reported that its national or regional organisations attended every stop. Its account in the fourth 2025 issue of INKLUSIV describes frequent questions about workplaces and the labour market. Staff introduced ÖZIV SUPPORT Coaching, which is available across Austria. This brought a disability organisation’s employment expertise into the discussion alongside the requirements for operating a shop. Visitors could ask about support and consider a possible career change before deciding whether to pursue an application.
“It opens up prospects and enables professional independence.”
A route into business, with individual decisions still ahead
MVG is wholly owned by the Republic of Austria, represented by the finance minister, and its official organisation page identifies Hofer as managing director. The roadshow’s reported attendance measures interest in this business model. It does not establish how many participants subsequently obtained a shop. The concrete result was access to information, specialist contacts and an opportunity to discuss the next steps. [3][1][2]