Equity Capital – Special Program for Crafts

The special program "Equity Participation – Crafts" of the Kapitalbeteiligungsgesellschaft NRW mbH (KBG) is aimed at small and medium-sized craft businesses in North Rhine-Westphalia that wish to strengthen their equity base. Two variants are used: The "KBG Succession Crafts" supports business successors in the acquisition and restructuring of the shareholder group, while the "KBG Future Crafts" promotes future-oriented investments such as modernization, digitization, product innovations, or measures to increase resource efficiency. The silent partnership amounts to between €25,000 and €250,000 depending on the existing economic equity. Repayment and term are structured so that no premiums are incurred and the participation can be terminated for the first time after five years. Combination with bank loans, KfW and NRW.BANK loans, as well as guarantees, is possible without affecting business control.

Eligible applicants include both founders and business successors according to the EU SME definition, as well as craft enterprises that have been operating on the market for at least three years with a registered office in North Rhine-Westphalia. Requirements include sufficient professional qualification, a viable and sustainable business concept, and proof of economic equity according to the scaling. After the first full fiscal year, a free check-up is conducted by the responsible Chamber of Crafts. The evaluation is based, among other things, on equity capital, concept sustainability, professional qualification, and market opportunities. An application can be submitted at any time before the start of the project. Required documents include, among others, project description, proof of equity, check-up report, financial statements, and SEPA direct debit mandate.