Market Development Guideline

This funding guideline is aimed at business-related institutions, associations, and industry networks based in Brandenburg that are not profit-oriented. The program aims to strengthen the international competitiveness of Brandenburg's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through targeted market development measures and the acquisition of foreign investors.

The Market Development Guideline promotes measures of an infrastructural nature within the framework of joint projects for market development and the acquisition of foreign investors in Brandenburg. This includes a range of activities, from participation in international trade fairs to workshops and digital event formats, with specific cost items being eligible for funding while others are excluded.

Funding is provided as project funding in the form of a one-time grant. The amount of the grant varies depending on the type of measure and can amount to up to 100 percent of the eligible expenses, with specific maximum limits for certain activities. The calculation of eligible expenses is based on a lump sum.

The granting of funding is tied to various legal and operational conditions, including the prohibition of premature commencement of measures, specific requirements for application and consortia, and compliance with EU-wide principles such as transparency, sustainability, and non-discrimination. Special rules apply to budget structure and cooperation with affiliated companies.

The application for funding is submitted online via the customer portal of the Investitionsbank des Landes Brandenburg (ILB). Approval takes place after examination of the application and, if necessary, after a statement from the responsible ministry. The disbursement of the grant is milestone-based, and the use of funds must be documented via a proof of use.

The funding program is based on the "Market Development Guideline 2022" of the Ministry of Economics, Labor and Energy of the State of Brandenburg and is closely linked to the budgetary provisions of the State of Brandenburg and the regulations of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).