Low-Threshold Innovations for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and Craft Businesses

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Who is Funded

This funding program targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and craft businesses located in Lower Saxony. The aim is to strengthen their innovative capacity and support the development of new or improved products, processes, and services. Specific criteria for eligibility and geographical scope are defined.

What is Funded

The funding focuses on application-oriented, low-threshold innovation projects, especially experimental developments as well as process and organizational innovations. Specific types of expenditures are considered, while routine-based changes and certain cost categories are excluded from funding.

Type and Scope of Funding

Funding is provided in the form of a non-repayable grant, the amount of which is based on a fixed funding rate applied to the eligible expenditures. The maximum funding amount is capped, and differentiated rates apply to certain regions.

Conditions and Requirements

Various prerequisites apply to the application and implementation of funded projects, including securing total financing, fulfilling quality criteria according to a scoring model, and observing state aid rules such as the GBER and the De minimis Regulation. In addition, special budgeting requirements and other general guidelines must be observed.

Application Procedure

The application process requires electronic and postal submission to NBank. Eligibility for funding is evaluated by a scoring model and the opinion of external experts, which then significantly influences the decision of the approving authority.

Legal Basis

The funding program is based on a specific directive of the State of Lower Saxony and is supplemented by various EU regulations and national legal frameworks. These legal bases define the framework and conditions of the funding, and their texts are accessible through the approving authority.