Participation in initiatives for entrepreneurs

When you are setting up a business in Germany, you must comply with certain rules and requirements. This section provides information on your rights and obligations, in particular relating to initiatives for entrepreneurs.

Funding programmes for companies

You can find a suitable programme for you or your company in a funding database. The database contains all programmes and funding at EU, federal and state level. It is available at Förderdatenbank.

You can search the database for relevant funding programmes and organisations using various filter and search options. The following institutions can participate in the funding programmes:

• Educational institutions
• Start-ups
• Research facilities
• Universities
• Municipalities
• Public institutions
• Private individuals
• Companies
• Associations/groups.

Financing available

The financing available depends on the funding programme. Please consult the funding database directly to see the financing options for the funding programmes relevant to you.

Who is responsible for managing the programmes/initiatives?

Depending on the individual case, responsibility may lie with the EU, the Federal Government or the Länder. Funding may also be provided by selected partner institutions, which are responsible in that case. One example is the Reconstruction Loan Corporation (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau, KfW).

How to apply

The application process varies depending to the funding programme chosen. Please consult the funding database directly for information on the application process for funding programmes relevant to you.

• Funding database for companies
• Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW)
• International initiatives for entrepreneurs
• Starting your own business (Existensgründungsportal)