Joint Task "Improvement of the Regional Economic Structure" – Support for the Commercial Economy (GRW-G) – Major Guideline

The "GRW-G Major Guideline" of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Energy and Climate Protection (MWAEK) supports companies in the commercial economy in Brandenburg that create new permanent jobs through investments, secure existing jobs, compensate for location disadvantages, or accelerate transformation processes towards a climate-neutral economy. Eligible applicants are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as medium and large companies operating in one of the sectors listed in the positive list (e.g., metal, chemical, manufacturing industries) or in the conditional positive list (e.g., printing industry, commercial engineering services). Eligible investments include establishment and expansion investments, diversification, fundamental process changes, and takeovers of closed business premises, as well as transformation investments for the implementation of renewable energies to cover the predominant own energy demand. The minimum investment threshold is EUR 100,000; the grant amount ranges from 10% to 45% of eligible expenses depending on the funding area and company size. In C-areas at the Polish border, an additional surcharge of 10% may be granted. In D-areas, a 10% grant applies for medium-sized and 20% for small companies. Small companies also receive SME surcharges of up to 20%; medium-sized companies up to 10%. Federal and state funds are not cumulative; other public funding aids must be offset.

The Investment Bank of the State of Brandenburg (ILB) handles the processing and disbursement of the grants. A complete application must be submitted to the ILB by September 30 and requires, among other things, support for "Good Work" by the WFBB, a financing confirmation from the house bank (at least 25% equity share), submission of annual financial statements, a detailed investment and financing plan, and, if applicable, a technical building inspection for construction projects. Applicant companies should document in their concepts the requirements regarding collective bargaining agreements, company development, job creation targets, and sustainability to benefit from possible surcharges on the base funding rate. The funding phase ends on December 31, 2025; outstanding proof of use for completed projects must be submitted within six months after project completion. Further information and application forms are available on the ILB website.