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ERP-Förderkredit Gründung und Nachfolge

Flexible financing for investments and working capital in the first 5 years of business.

Target group

Startups, SMEs

Deadline

Year-around

Location

National, Germany

Table of contents

The ERP Förderkredit Gründung und Nachfolge is a public development loan provided through the KfW to support company foundations, growth phases, and business successions. While it involves repayment, it is considered part of non-dilutive funding, as it enables companies to access capital without giving up equity.

Are you eligible?

You can apply if you:

  • Starting businesses or freelance work

  • Business acquisition or increasing stake in an active company

  • Expansion or consolidation measures within five years of founding

  • Purchasing assets from other businesses

What is ERP-Förderkredit Gründung und Nachfolge

The ERP Capital for Start-ups and Successors is a subsidized loan from KfW, specifically designed for young businesses in their early growth stages. The loan supports:

  • Investments

  • Working capital

  • Company takeovers

  • Successions

You can apply for up to EUR 500,000, with no equity required.

Important

Projects have to comply with all environmental and social standards in Germany. Not all companies and projects qualify — please check KfW’s exclusion list for details.

Terms & Conditions

  • Loan amount: up to EUR 500,000

  • Term options:

    • 10 years with 2 years repayment-free

    • 15 years with 5 years repayment-free

  • Interest rate: fixed for up to 10 years (rates defined by KfW in coordination with your bank)

  • Repayment-free start: You only pay interest in the initial years

  • Collateral: usually required (assessed individually by your financing partner)

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.

Yes. Depending on the business case and the borrower’s bank rating, collateral or personal guarantees may be required. The final risk assessment is carried out by the financing bank.

Yes. The ERP Förderkredit can be combined with public grants as part of a mixed financing structure. Double funding of the same costs must be avoided and coordinated in line with state aid regulations.

No. Freelancers, partnerships, and incorporated companies can apply for the ERP Förderkredit, provided they meet the program’s eligibility and credit requirements.

Early repayment is generally possible. Depending on the financing bank and contract terms, a prepayment penalty may apply.

The process typically takes around 6–12 weeks from initial consultation to loan disbursement. The exact duration depends on the financing bank and the completeness of the required documents.

Still have questions?

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