Get started

ERP - StartGeld Gründerkredit

Government-backed loan up to €200,000, no equity required.

Target group

Startups, SMEs

Deadline

Year-around

Location

National, Germany

Table of contents

ERP StartGeld is a public development loan provided under the German ERP program to support early-stage founders and young companies. While it involves repayment, it is considered part of non-dilutive funding, as it enables access to capital without giving up equity.

Are you eligible?

You can apply if you:

  • Are founding a new business or have done so within the past 5 years

  • Operate as a sole founder, freelancer, partnership (GbR), or corporation (GmbH)

  • Are based in Germany and plan to use the funds for eligible business activities

What is ERP - StartGeld Gründerkredit

This KfW-backed loan provides up to €200,000 for business expenses, including equipment, staff, inventory, and even company shares, without requiring any personal equity. It’s designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs in starting and scaling their business.

Important

No equity required: You can access full funding without personal savings or capital contribution.

Terms & Conditions

  • Loan Amount: up to €200,000 (no minimum)

  • Equity Requirement: none

  • Duration: 2 to 10 years
    (including up to 2 repayment-free years)

  • Repayment: monthly installments

  • Interest Rate: fixed, depending on creditworthiness

  • Usage: business investments, operating costs, material, or acquisition of shares/companies

When is the deadline?

Year-round. Applications are accepted continuously, there is no deadline.

How does the application work?

Preparation:

  • Create a business plan with financial projections
  • Check your personal and company creditworthiness


Hausbank process:

  • Choose a commercial bank as your financial intermediary
  • Submit your application via your bank (not directly to KfW)
  • The Hausbank evaluates your business plan and financial plan. If approved, they forward it to KfW.


KfW assessment:

  • The KfW evaluates your business plan and financial plan. If approved, they forward the offer back to your bank


Approval & payout:

  • Once approved, the loan is paid out via your bank
  • Loan repayment begins after the grace period

You need support?

Would you like to learn more about how we can increase your companies chances of success with this funding program?

Contact us

FAQs

What our clients often ask before they get started.

ERP StartGeld is available to founders, freelancers, and small businesses that are less than five years old. Both sole founders and incorporated companies are eligible.

ERP StartGeld can be used to finance investments, working capital, marketing expenses, inventory, or the acquisition of a company or business shares.

In many cases, collateral requirements are reduced because KfW covers up to 80% of the default risk. Final security requirements depend on the financing bank and the borrower’s risk profile.

Once approved and the loan contract is signed, ERP StartGeld funds are typically paid out in full in a single tranche.

Yes. We prepare all documents and coordinate the application process with the financing bank.

Still have questions?

Contact us
Get started