Hessian Trade Fair Funding

The Hessian Trade Fair Funding is aimed at Hessian SMEs, craft and micro-enterprises, as well as young, innovative start-ups that wish to present their products and services as exhibitors at national and international trade fairs. The goal is to strengthen the international visibility of the participating companies and to promote the economic location of Hesse in the long term. Funding is provided for active trade fair participation listed in the directory of the German trade fair industry, to facilitate access for medium-sized companies to new markets and business partners. Both in-house innovations and traditional craft products are supported. For start-ups, participation in start-up-specific formats is also possible. Applicants benefit from competent advice, tailored project support, and a transparent application process through the Innovation Funding Hesse of HA Hessen Agentur GmbH.

Up to two trade fair participations per company are funded within a maximum of three consecutive years. The funding rate is 50% of eligible expenses, with a grant of up to €2,000 for trade fairs within the EU/EFTA and domestically, and up to €4,000 for trade fairs outside these regions. Eligible costs include stand rental, setup/dismantling, transport, insurance, catalog entries, interpreters, external personnel, and travel expenses. A business location in Hesse is a prerequisite, as well as the submission of the application form, expense and financing plan, De-minimis declaration, and SME self-declaration. Funds for 2026 are already exhausted, and the program has been discontinued. Approval of applications for 2027 and subsequent years is not possible. Interested companies can find detailed information on application requirements, funding modalities, and proof of use in the guidelines and information sheets of Innovation Funding Hesse.