Joint Task "Improvement of Regional Economic Structure" (GRW) Open
The Joint Task "Improvement of Regional Economic Structure" (GRW) is a central instrument of regional structural policy in Germany. It promotes commercial investments and infrastructure measures in structurally weak areas to create jobs, compensate for locational disadvantages, and accelerate the transition towards a climate-neutral economy. The program is characterized by established federal-state cooperation and its holistic strategy.
Who is funded
The Joint Task "Improvement of Regional Economic Structure" (GRW) targets companies, municipalities and municipal associations, and other non-profit organizations in structurally weak regions of Germany. The goal is to secure employment and income, compensate for locational disadvantages, and accelerate transformation processes towards a climate-neutral and sustainable economy.
What is funded
GRW funding supports a wide range of projects, from commercial investments to the expansion of economic infrastructure, and measures to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and ecological sustainability. Both tangible and intangible investment goods are funded, with specific exclusion criteria for certain sectors and costs.
Type and Extent of Funding
The GRW offers both investment grants and interest rate reductions, the amount of which depends on the type of project, company size, and funding area. Maximum funding rates can reach up to 45 percent for commercial investments and up to 90 percent for infrastructure measures. Project durations vary depending on the type of measure, with general investment projects usually to be implemented within 36 months.
Conditions and Requirements
To receive GRW funding, applicants must meet various legal, administrative, and specific requirements. These include compliance with state aid law, timely application before the start of the project, and ensuring regional economic effects. There are also specific conditions for consortia, budget limitations, and other obligations relevant for the project duration.
Application Process
The application process for GRW funding requires careful preparation and timely submission to the competent authorities of the federal states. Projects are assessed based on their eligibility and merit, taking into account regional priorities and specific criteria, before a decision on approval is made.
Legal Basis
The Joint Task "Improvement of Regional Economic Structure" (GRW) is based on a constitutional cooperation between the federal government and the states. The coordination framework from 2024 forms the current guideline, complemented by various European and national laws. These legal bases ensure a targeted and effective regional structural policy.
Funding Overview
Maximum Amount:
Up to 45 percent for commercial investments and up to 90 percent for infrastructure measures
Deadline:
always open
Open Until:
Ongoing
Award Channel:
Demand Driven Scheme
Region:
Nationwide in selected structurally weak regions (Germany)
Sectors:
Food Processing, Textile and Apparel Industry, Paper and Packaging Industry, Renewable Energy, Transportation and Logistics, Information and Communication Technology, Software Development, Green Technology, Pharmaceutical Industry, Education and Vocational Training, Research and Development, Service Sector, Tourism, Creative Industries, Environmental and Climate Protection
Funding Stages:
Planning, Infrastructure, Process Optimization, Market Introduction, Scaling, Commercialization, Applied Research, Experimental Development, Basic Research, Capacity Building
Funding Provider
Program Level: National
Funding Body: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK)
Managed By: Federal States (Länder)
Website: Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz (BMWK)