NRW.BANK Universal Loan Open
The NRW.BANK Universal Loan offers low-interest loans for financing growth and expansion investments, working capital, and business start-ups in North Rhine-Westphalia and abroad. It is characterized by its flexibility and the possibility of a liability exemption for the house bank, with special variants to support energy transition and companies affected by the A45 closure.
Who is funded
The NRW.BANK Universal Loan supports start-ups, commercial enterprises and freelancers who are planning projects with a positive effect for North Rhine-Westphalia, including abroad. Funding is generally available for companies in NRW, with specific variants for SMEs in South Westphalia affected by the A45 closure and for micro/small enterprises and craft businesses wishing to switch to renewable energies.
What is funded
The NRW.BANK Universal Loan promotes a wide range of commercial projects, including investments for growth and expansion, working capital, and start-up activities. Specific support is offered for the transition to renewable energies and to mitigate the effects of the A45 closure. Certain costs and project areas are excluded from co-financing.
Type and extent of funding
The NRW.BANK Universal Loan is offered as a loan with flexible terms and variable interest rates. Financing can cover up to 100 percent of eligible expenses, with maximum loan amounts and repayment reductions provided for special funding variants. An optional liability exemption for the house bank is possible from certain amounts.
Conditions and requirements
Various conditions apply to the application and project implementation, including ensuring overall financing, expecting lasting economic success, and observing sustainability criteria (ESG). The program is subject to the EU De-minimis Regulation, but an aid-free variant is also available.
Application procedure
The application for the NRW.BANK Universal Loan is submitted via the house bank, which forwards it to NRW.BANK. NRW.BANK promises the house bank the refinancing, and the house bank is responsible for monitoring the use of funds. The interest rate is determined individually for each client, based on creditworthiness and collateral.
Legal basis
The NRW.BANK Universal Loan funding program is based on the “Merkblatt NRW.BANK.Universalkredit” and is subject to the EU De-minimis Regulation. In addition, the core labor standards of the ILO and the ESG funding requirements of NRW.BANK are relevant.
Funding Overview
Maximum Amount:
Up to 100% of eligible expenses; max. €2,000,000 for specific funding variants
Deadline:
31.12.2025
Open Until:
Ongoing
Award Channel:
Indirect Management Funding
Region:
North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany)
Sectors:
Other, Renewable Energy
Funding Stages:
Planning, Implementation, Scaling, Infrastructure
Funding Provider
Program Level: Regional
Funding Body: NRW.BANK
Managed By: NRW.BANK
Additional Partners: House bank (intermediary credit institution), KfW (refinancing), Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank (refinancing), EIB (refinancing), PricewaterhouseCoopers AG WPG (federal guarantee for foreign projects)
Website: NRW.BANK