Strengthening the start-up landscape: KfW increases ERP Start-up Loan – StartGeld

• Amount increased from EUR 125,000 to up to EUR 200,000
• Melanie Kehr, Executive Board Member: a strong signal for entrepreneurs
• Small commercial enterprises operating on either a full-time or part-time basis are eligible

Good news for entrepreneurs: KfW is stepping up its commitment and raising the maximum loan amount for the ERP Start-uUp Loan –StartGeld. Starting from 1 December, entrepreneurs can receive funding of up to EUR 200,000. At the same time, KfW is increasing the maximum amount of financing for working capital from EUR 50,000 to EUR 80,000.

"Start-ups are the drivers of our competitiveness and innovative strength. By raising the maximum amount, we are supporting start-up founders in Germany with the funds they need to successfully make their ideas reality," says Melanie Kehr, Executive Board Member responsible for domestic promotion at KfW. "We are facilitating access to promotional loans by assuming 80 per cent of the default risk. In doing so, we are making a visible contribution to revitalising start-up activity and showing that KfW is firmly on the side of entrepreneurs. Now is the time to take bold steps!"

The loan is aimed at entrepreneurs, self-employed professionals, and young companies that are no older than five years. To support small and medium-sized enterprises, the loan is also available in the context of a business succession.

Small commercial enterprises operating on either a full-time or part-time basis are eligible to apply. All beneficiaries can apply for the loan via their regular bank. It should be noted that KfW assumes 80 per cent of the default risk for the applicant's regular bank. This makes it easier for companies to access the loan.

More information about the programme can be found here: ERP Start-up Loan – StartGeld: Support for start-ups, takeovers, and growth | KfW (in German).

^{To support the start-up process from preparation to realisation, KfW provides an interactive start-up platform offering useful tips: Start-up platform - The toolkit for your business (in German).}