The Regional Development Agency (ARR) in Starachowice has awarded its first preferential loans to finance postgraduate studies, courses, and training as part of the nationwide “Loans for Education” project. The project is a pilot of a new form of financing adult continuing education, financed by the Knowledge Education Development Operational Programme for 2014-2020. It is also one of the first examples in Poland of a new form of using EU funds – repayable assistance.
A partnership between the ARR in Starachowice and the Cooperation Fund Foundation (FFW) has been implementing the nationwide “Loans for Education” project since June of this year. As part of the project, adults (employed, self-employed, and unemployed) can apply for a loan of up to PLN 100,000 to finance postgraduate studies, courses, or training of their choice, lasting no longer than 24 months.
“Interest-free loans can be repaid over 3 years. Completion of training is grounds for 20% of the loan to be forgiven, and in the case of unemployed individuals who begin employment or low-income individuals, 25% of the loan can be forgiven. The feedback we’ve received confirms that we’ve managed to create a simple and user-friendly application submission and evaluation system. Applications are completed in a dedicated online system,” says Jacek Ostrowski, Member of the FFW Management Board. The application process began on September 18th of this year. In the first two weeks, over 800 applications were submitted, totaling over PLN 6 million.
“Over 25 years of operation, our Foundation has gained extensive experience in providing loans to individuals and entrepreneurs. This allowed us to create an effective application evaluation system for the project and quickly grant the first loans. Over 100 loans have already been granted, covering various thematic areas and educational programs (postgraduate studies, courses, and training). We are awaiting further applications – there are still funds available,” emphasizes Ryszard Nosowicz, President of the Agricultural Market Agency in Starachowice.
Information about the project is available at http://www.inwestujwrozwoj.pl.
The application process is still open – you can apply for a loan!
