Foreign Trade Promotion Guideline (AWR)

The Foreign Trade Promotion Guideline (AWR) targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in Schleswig-Holstein. The aim is to support these companies in developing new markets in third countries to strengthen their export business and contribute to job creation and security in the state. The funding focuses on participation in joint company offices in non-European countries.

This funding guideline supports the participation of SMEs in joint company offices in non-European countries. The measures primarily serve market exploration. Specific cost categories are defined, while others are explicitly excluded to ensure the targeted use of funds.

Foreign trade promotion is provided as a non-repayable grant and is limited to a fixed maximum amount and a maximum duration. The funding amount is proportionally aligned with the eligible expenses and is subject to certain minimum requirements for expenses.

Specific legal and administrative conditions apply to the application and funding, including compliance with the De Minimis rule and special requirements for the composition of the participating companies. There are clear guidelines for the application deadline and the use of funds.

The application process requires early submission of complete documents to the responsible granting authority. The decision on funding is made at the discretion of the authority and within the framework of available budget funds. An information meeting is recommended before applying.

The Foreign Trade Promotion Guideline (AWR) is the core of the legal framework for this funding program. It is supplemented by other important regulations such as the State Budget Ordinance and EU aid regulations, which significantly influence the implementation and administration of the funding.