Funding for Business-Related Infrastructure Measures and Other Measures to Strengthen Regional Economic Structures (GRW Areas) Open
The state of Lower Saxony promotes the strengthening of structurally weak regions through the program for business-related infrastructure measures, within the framework of the joint task "Improvement of Regional Economic Structures" (GRW). The aim is to support regional structural change processes through grants for infrastructure projects, development concepts, and regional management. It enables municipalities and non-profit organizations to invest specifically in regional economic development, thereby securing and creating jobs and prosperity.
Who is funded?
This funding program is primarily aimed at municipalities and municipal associations, as well as legal entities pursuing charitable or non-profit purposes. The funding measures are regionally tailored to the GRW funding areas in Lower Saxony and aim to improve the economic strength and adaptability of structurally weak regions.
What is funded?
The program supports a range of projects that serve business-related infrastructure and accompany regional structural change processes. This includes the development of commercial areas, connections, planning services, regional concepts, and the management of cooperations and networks. The program covers various project phases from planning to implementation.
Type and Scope of Funding
Support is provided in the form of non-repayable grants, with funding rates varying depending on the project. There are specific maximum amounts for certain measures such as integrated regional development concepts and regional management. The funding period also depends on the project and can include a tie-up period of 15 years for infrastructure measures.
Conditions and Requirements
Applicants must meet certain requirements, including proof of need and secured overall financing. Strict quality criteria apply for assessing eligibility, covering technical aspects, regional development, and sustainability. Additionally, state aid provisions and overarching principles such as compliance with the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the "Do no significant harm principle" must be observed.
Application Procedure
The application for the program must be submitted electronically via the customer portal of Investitions- und Förderbank Niedersachsen (NBank) before the start of the project. The approving authority decides on the eligibility of projects, taking into account defined quality criteria and regional technical opinions.
Legal Basis
The basis of this funding program is the Guideline on the Granting of Subsidies for the Promotion of Business-Related Infrastructure Measures and Other Measures to Strengthen the Regional Economic Structure (GRW Areas) of the State of Lower Saxony. In addition, relevant EU state aid regulations and general budgetary provisions apply.
Funding Overview
Maximum Amount:
Up to 90% of eligible expenses
Deadline:
always open
Open Until:
31.12.2029
Award Channel:
Demand Driven Scheme
Region:
Lower Saxony (GRW funding areas)
Funding Stages:
Planning, Implementation, Capacity Building, Infrastructure
Funding Provider
Program Level: Regional
Funding Body: Lower Saxony Ministry for Economic Affairs, Transport, Building and Digitalisation
Managed By: Investitions- und Förderbank Niedersachsen (NBank)