NRW.BANK.Start-up and Growth
The NRW.BANK.Start-up and Growth program supports start-ups, freelancers, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in North Rhine-Westphalia with interest-subsidized loans. It enables the financing of investments, working capital, inventory, as well as business acquisitions and participations. Projects in funding areas and young companies with less than five years of market activity receive particularly favorable conditions.
Who is funded
The program targets start-ups, freelancers, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with projects in North Rhine-Westphalia that promise lasting economic success. It aims to support the financing of start-ups, consolidation, and growth phases.
What is funded
The funding covers a wide range of projects, from investments and working capital to inventories and business acquisitions. The program emphasizes projects that promise lasting economic success and meet specific ESG criteria.
Type and extent of financing
The program offers interest-subsidized loans of up to 10 million Euros, which can cover up to 100% of eligible investments and working capital. Loan terms vary depending on the purpose, and options for interest-free years are available.
Conditions and requirements
Applicants must ensure the overall financing of their project, comply with ESG requirements, and must not be in difficulties. Optionally, an indemnification for the house bank can be applied for.
Application procedure
The loan application must be submitted to a house bank of your choice before the project begins, which then forwards it to NRW.BANK. The house bank is also responsible for accompanying and tracking the use of funds.
Legal basis
The program is based on the information sheet “NRW.BANK.Start-up and Growth” and the EU De minimis Regulation. It also integrates requirements from the KfW ERP Promotional Loan and the NRW.BANK's ESG funding requirements.
Similar Programs
Funding Overview
Funding Status:
Open
Maximum Amount:
€10,000,000
Deadline:
always open
Award Channel:
Demand Driven Scheme
Region:
North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany); EU Member States (Europe), OECD High-Income Countries (International)
Beneficiaries:
Start-ups, Freelancers, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)
Application Type:
Single Applicant
Funding Stages:
Planning, Implementation, Commercialization, Scaling
Funding Provider
Program Level:
Regional
Funding Body:
NRW.BANK, KfW Group
Managed By:
NRW.BANK
Additional Partners:
PricewaterhouseCoopers AG WPG (for federal guarantee in case of political risk), House banks (intermediary credit institutions)
Website: