Equity Participation Program of the Saarland Capital Investment Corporation (KBG) for the Promotion of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

The equity participation program is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises as well as start-ups headquartered or operating in Saarland, with the goal of sustainably strengthening their equity base. Investments and working capital related to business growth, rationalization, structural change, succession processes, start-ups, and innovation projects are eligible for funding. An equity participation of up to €1,000,000 is available, with the financing share covering up to 100% of the eligible costs. The participation term generally extends up to 120 months and is secured by a 70% guarantee from the Saarland Guarantee Bank. This provides applicants with a flexible financing tool to realize growth leaps and actively shape future market developments.

A prerequisite for funding is classification as an SME according to the EU definition and appropriate co-participation of the shareholders in the entrepreneurial risk—such as through equity contribution, profit retention, or a participation guarantee. A creditworthiness assessment ensures the quality of the applicants and is included in the evaluation. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and can be initiated at any time through the applicant’s house bank. The bank conducts the review and forwards the funding application to the Saarland Equity Participation Company mbH. With this transparent and continuously available funding option, companies in Saarland receive a powerful instrument to secure their competitiveness and innovative capacity.