Microcredits, Start-up, and Growth Loans from the SME Fund Open
The SME Fund of Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB), supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), offers interest-subsidized loans for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups in Berlin. The program aims to promote business creation, early-stage development, and expansion through tailored financing solutions, including microcredits, start-up, and growth loans.
Who is Funded: Target Groups and Geographical Reach
The SME Fund targets start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and freelancers with a registered office or business establishment in Berlin. The program aims to sustainably strengthen and improve the competitiveness of these businesses, particularly during their founding, early, and expansion phases.
What is Funded: Project Types and Funding Purposes
The SME Fund provides loans for the development and expansion of general economic activity by businesses in Berlin. Various measures are funded, including investments in fixed assets, pre-financing of orders, product development and introduction, as well as start-up financing and company acquisitions. Certain sectors and projects that have already commenced are excluded.
Type and Scope of Financing
Funding is provided as a loan with terms of up to 20 years. The loan amount varies depending on the type of financing: microcredits up to EUR 25,000 (EUR 50,000 for knowledge-intensive/innovative companies) without house bank involvement, start-up and growth loans up to EUR 250,000 primarily with co-financing, and up to EUR 10 million with required house bank involvement. Disbursements are made at 100%.
Conditions and Requirements
A viable business concept, sufficient business management knowledge, and the ability to repay the loan are crucial for funding. Loans exceeding EUR 25,000 (or EUR 50,000 for knowledge-intensive/innovative companies) require standard bank collateral. Additionally, state aid regulations, specifically the De minimis Regulation, must be observed.
Application Procedure
Applications for the SME Fund can be submitted directly online via the customer portal of Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB), especially for microcredits and smaller loans without house bank involvement. If a house bank is involved, the application and loan disbursement typically occur through them. Loan disbursement is based on a viable business concept.
Legal Basis
The SME Fund is primarily regulated by the "Fact Sheet for the Granting of Microcredits, Start-up, and Growth Loans from the SME Fund" dated January 1, 2020. Additionally, EU state aid provisions, particularly the De minimis Regulation (EU) No 1407/2013, are relevant.
Funding Overview
Maximum Amount:
EUR 10,000,000
Deadline:
always open
Open Until:
Ongoing
Award Channel:
Demand Driven Scheme
Region:
Berlin (Germany)
Sectors:
Other
Beneficiaries:
Commercial enterprises, Liberal professions, Start-ups
Funding Stages:
Planning, Product Development, Scaling, Implementation, Infrastructure, Service Delivery, Market Introduction, Commercialization, Process Optimization
Funding Provider
Program Level: Regional
Funding Body: Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB), European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Managed By: Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB)
Website: Investitionsbank Berlin