Guarantees of the State of Lower Saxony

The funding instrument of the State of Lower Saxony enables companies, cooperative structures, start-ups, as well as non-profit organizations in Lower Saxony to secure investment, working capital, and guarantee financing through the assumption of guarantees, warranties, and other sureties. With a default coverage of up to 80 percent, it supports economically and socially desirable and commercially justifiable measures that would be difficult to realize without this credit security. Applications can be submitted continuously, ensuring timely application review and prompt decisions by the State Credit Committee. The one-time application fee is based on the loan amount and is capped at a maximum of 125,000 euros.

The program aims to strengthen the creditworthiness of companies in the commercial sector, the food, agricultural, and forestry industries, as well as members of liberal professions and operators of social, cultural, and scientific institutions with business premises in Lower Saxony. Creditworthiness, sufficient repayment assurance, an appropriate equity share, and viable prospects of success in relation to the guarantee risk are prerequisites. To apply, the official application form, the General Guarantee Guidelines, the billing template form, and the fee information sheet are required. Evaluation criteria include the viability of the business model, the appropriateness of the risk and opportunity participation, and compliance with EU state aid law. This transparent and cooperative procedure offers a reliable option for financial projects that would otherwise be difficult to finance.