Guidelines "Future Vouchers" of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia

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Who is Funded?

The "Future Vouchers" program targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Rhenish Mining Region that are affected by the coal phase-out or wish to transform their business model to seize new business opportunities in the context of the European Green Deal and digitalization. The goal is to preserve and create jobs through diversification and transformation.

Funding is tied to specific geographic areas and proof of direct impact from the coal phase-out or the intention to transform into green/digital growth areas.

What is Funded?

The program promotes projects that serve the transformation of business models and production processes of small and medium-sized enterprises, especially concerning sustainability, resource conservation, energy efficiency, climate protection, and digitalization. Funding includes external consulting services, personnel expenses for transformation experts, and investments for implementing transformation processes. Digitalization projects are only eligible if the company operates or will operate in a market of green transformation.

Type and Scope of Funding

Funding is provided as a non-repayable grant. The maximum funding rate is generally up to 60 percent of the eligible expenses. For investments, a maximum grant of 2 million euros per company and project is possible; for consulting services, up to 1,200 euros per man-day (maximum 15 man-days). The amount of personnel expenses for transformation experts is set as a flat rate.

Conditions and Requirements

Specific conditions apply to the "Future Vouchers" regarding eligibility, funding area, and type of aid. Companies must be directly affected by the coal phase-out or aim for a transformation in line with the Green Deal or digitalization. The funding is subject to the De minimis rules or the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER). It is important to note the specific requirements for the qualification of consulting companies and transformation experts, as well as the exclusion criteria for companies in difficulty. Subcontracting is generally not permitted.

Application Procedure

The application procedure for the "Future Vouchers" takes place via the EFRE.NRW.online portal or in writing using application forms. The primary approving authority is the Bezirksregierung Düsseldorf, with the exception of Kreis Euskirchen, for which the Bezirksregierung Köln is responsible. The application deadline ended on June 30, 2024.

Legal Basis

The "Future Vouchers" Guideline of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia is based on a joint decree of the Ministry of Economy, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy and the Ministry of Environment, Nature Conservation and Transport from December 14, 2022. It integrates provisions of the State Budget Code NRW and relevant EU aid regulations, in particular the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) and the De minimis Regulation, as well as the EFRE/JTF Framework Directive NRW.