The start of project implementation is the moment from which the main activities are carried out and eligible expenditure arises. It is determined by the contract and the call, and for enterprises the incentive effect rule applies – work started before the application was submitted renders the entire project ineligible, because the project is deemed to have been carried out even without support. A binding order or the start of construction works is also considered the start of work, not only the payment of an invoice. Preparatory activities such as project documentation or a feasibility study are generally not considered a start. The actual start must be reported to the provider within the specified deadline, and the completion date and the length of the sustainability period are then derived from this date.
See also: Incentive effect, Eligible expenditure period, Agreement on the provision of a non-repayable financial contribution (NFP).
