Guarantees for the Promotion of the Berlin Economy – State Guarantee Guidelines

The state guarantee guidelines offer Berlin-based companies and freelancers a reliable guarantee to secure surety bonds and investment loans when customary bank collateral is lacking. Guarantees can be granted in amounts ranging from €1.25 million to €20 million, with coverage ratios and conditions varying between 70% (healthy companies) and up to 90% (rescue or restructuring cases) depending on the project. The term can be up to 15 years, and applications can be submitted at any time through the financing house bank at the Investitionsbank Berlin. The objective is to ease capital procurement for economically beneficial projects such as initial investments, operational investment financing, or the purchase of business shares. For companies in difficulty, a coherent restructuring plan complements the requirements for granting rescue and restructuring guarantees.

Eligible for funding are commercial enterprises and members of the liberal professions with a business establishment in Berlin, as well as individuals who participate in companies in managerial roles through state-guaranteed loans. Prerequisites include expected repayment under normal economic conditions, a reasonable equity contribution, and secured overall financing. Refinancing of existing loans through additional guarantees is not supported. Application documents include, among others, business registration or business establishment certificate, certificates regarding tax and social security arrears, a declaration of willingness from the house bank to grant the loan, as well as an informal guarantee application. Through the combination of attractive guarantee ratios, flexible terms, and bureaucratic support, the program significantly contributes to strengthening the Berlin economy.