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Vollpension’s intergenerational café model expands to Graz and Salzburg after €400K crowdfunding success

A café where seniors share wisdom over coffee is growing across Austria. Can Vollpension’s heartwarming model thrive without government support?

In the image we can see there are people who are standing and beside there is a cafe on which it's...
In the image we can see there are people who are standing and beside there is a cafe on which it's written "Ruskin's Cafe".

Vollpension’s intergenerational café model expands to Graz and Salzburg after €400K crowdfunding success

Vollpension, a café chain focused on bridging generations, is expanding to Graz and Salzburg. The move follows a successful crowdfunding effort that raised over €400,000. The project aims to tackle loneliness among older adults while offering them extra income.

The concept behind Vollpension is simple: seniors work in the café, sharing stories and skills with younger visitors. This creates a space for social connection while helping older employees earn money. The expansion comes as many retirees struggle with insufficient pensions, a gap the café hopes to address.

A new location in Graz will employ up to 20 seniors. The team is searching for a central spot with at least 200 square meters, outdoor seating, and high foot traffic. These features are key to fostering intergenerational interactions and ensuring the café’s success.

Funding remains a challenge, as Austria provides no ongoing workplace subsidies for senior workers. Vollpension will rely entirely on revenue to pay wages. Despite this, the organization is committed to proving its model can thrive without continuous external support. The crowdfunding campaign is still open to secure additional funds for growth.

The Graz and Salzburg branches will offer jobs and social engagement for older adults. Without government subsidies, the café’s future depends on public support and strong revenue. If successful, the model could inspire similar projects across Austria.

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