HessenFonds GuW (ERP)

The HessenFonds GuW (ERP) supports founders, freelancers, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Hesse in realizing forward-looking projects. The focus is on investments in decarbonization, resource and energy efficiency, digitalization, strategic resilience, as well as technological, product, and business innovations. Company acquisitions, working capital, and inventory are also eligible for funding. With loans ranging from €100,000 to €1 million and terms of 2, 5, 10, or 20 years, the program offers attractive financing options. Young companies and part-time startups can additionally benefit from longer grace periods to ease cash flow and support growth. The EU definition of SMEs and the presence of a profit-making intention are central funding prerequisites.

Interest subsidies of up to 2% p.a. make startup and growth financing particularly attractive. There is no legal entitlement; however, loan applications can be submitted at any time via the house bank procedure—prior to project commencement and using the standard application form, the De-minimis declaration, and a statistical annex. WIBank reviews the applications in cooperation with local credit institutions and the Bürgschaftsbank Hessen, which optionally provides guarantees of up to 80% of the loan volume. The evaluation criteria include the level of innovation, transformative impact, and focus on climate protection as well as energy and resource efficiency. Through this range of financing options, the HessenFonds GuW (ERP) contributes to strengthening commercial enterprises and supports them on their path to sustainable growth.