Funding for Start-ups and Scale-ups

The "Funding for Start-ups and Scale-ups" funding program of the State of Hesse is aimed at natural persons, young innovative companies, and legal entities that strengthen the start-up ecosystem in Hesse. The funding aims to increase the chances of founding and the competitiveness of innovative companies and to establish Hesse as an attractive location for start-ups.

The program essentially funds two areas: the development and implementation of innovative business models through direct scholarships, and projects aimed at the qualification and networking of start-ups and scale-ups. It supports companies in various development phases and covers necessary expenses required for the implementation of the projects.

The program offers financial support in the form of non-repayable grants. The amount of funding varies depending on the funding stream: up to €40,000 for start-up founder scholarships and up to 85 percent of eligible expenses for projects. The program is designed to be permanent, without a fixed funding period limit.

The program is subject to specific conditions regarding application, compliance with aid regulations, and budgeting. Great importance is attached to early application before project commencement and compliance with the de minimis rule to ensure conformity with EU state aid law.

The application procedure is structured differently depending on the type of funding but generally requires written submission before project commencement. The evaluation is transparent based on established criteria, especially for the founder scholarships, which undergo a two-stage process.

The legal basis for the funding program is the Guideline of the State of Hesse for the Promotion of Start-ups and Scale-ups, supplemented by other state-specific budgetary and administrative procedural provisions. These ensure the legitimacy and proper handling of the funding.