Start-up and SME Support (GuM) – Projects to Strengthen Entrepreneurial Readiness, Enhance Competitiveness, and Improve Entrepreneurial Qualifications

The Start-up and SME Promotion (GuM) program of the state of Hesse supports initiatives for start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through awareness-raising, information, and networking. Funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and co-financed by the state of Hesse, events, workshops, competitions, and other formats are promoted that strengthen the entrepreneurial spirit, improve entrepreneurial qualifications, and enhance competitiveness. The grant is provided as a subsidy covering up to 90 percent of eligible expenses. Applications can be submitted continuously via the online portal of the Wirtschafts- und Infrastrukturbank Hessen (WIBank). Eligible applicants include interest groups or other associations, public institutions, and educational institutions with headquarters or branches in Hesse.

Projects with headquarters or branches in Hesse are supported. Eligible applicants include, among others, chambers of crafts, chambers of industry and commerce, business and industry associations, municipal authorities, municipal economic development agencies, regional management organizations, as well as business-related associations and educational institutions. A minimum volume of eligible expenses of €600,000 (€200,000 for partial projects), a focus on start-ups and SMEs, and compliance with the General Funding Conditions for Start-up and SME Promotion are prerequisites. Eligible expenses include personnel costs, overhead, conception and implementation of in-person and online formats, public relations, marketing, consulting and event services, prize money, rental of premises, and hospitality costs. Required documents are project description, financing plan, SME self-declaration, profit forecast, and de minimis declaration. The implemented projects contribute to sustainable development in Hesse and strengthen regional networks between start-ups and established companies.