Startup Grant SH

The Schleswig-Holstein Startup Grant is aimed at graduates, students, and in exceptional cases, individuals with qualified vocational training, who wish to establish a company in Schleswig-Holstein. The goal is to promote the transfer of technology and knowledge from science into the economy and to support innovative, technology- or knowledge-oriented business ideas in the pre-seed phase.

The Schleswig-Holstein Startup Grant supports innovative and preferably technology- or knowledge-oriented business ideas with recognizable market potential. The funding primarily covers personal financial security in the pre-seed phase but also allows for smaller project-related expenses. Projects in experimental development, as well as the creation of feasibility studies or business plans, are supported.

The Schleswig-Holstein Startup Grant is awarded as a monthly subsidy to provide financial security for founders in the early phase. The funding period is generally eight months, with the possibility of an extension in justified exceptional cases. In addition to the monthly support, smaller amounts can be applied for founding- or development-related costs.

Funding is tied to specific conditions, ranging from the qualification of applicants to the nature of the business idea and the necessary cooperation with partners. Important requirements concern dedicating time to the startup, company formation within a certain period, and the submission of final reports and business plans.

The application process for the Schleswig-Holstein Startup Grant is possible at any time during the program's duration and includes a pre-selection by WTSH and a presentation to a selection committee. Following a positive decision, the grant is awarded through a grant agreement.

The legal basis for the Schleswig-Holstein Startup Grant is the Guideline dated April 1, 2021. This document defines the subject of the measure, the applicants and requirements, as well as the cooperation of partners and the grant awarding procedure.