Investment Promotion for the Commercial Economy (GRW)

The investment promotion for the commercial economy in Bremen supports small and medium-sized enterprises as well as, in exceptional cases, larger companies with low-interest loans and non-repayable grants for operational investments. The goal is to secure or create competitive jobs through investments, increase growth and prosperity, and offset location disadvantages. A special focus is placed on environmentally improving measures and accelerating transformation processes towards a climate-neutral economy. Funding is provided, among other things, for the construction of new buildings, conversion, and expansion of business premises, acquisition of machinery and technical equipment, software, as well as projects with special energy efficiency or environmental benefits. The funding amount can reach a rate of 20% to 65% of the eligible net costs depending on the company size and funding category, with up to 20% funding regularly possible in Bremen city and up to 30% in Bremerhaven.

Criteria for a grant include a business location in the state of Bremen and a minimum investment volume of €100,000. The start of the investment may only occur after the application has been submitted and approved. Investment projects must be applied for in advance via the BAB customer portal; continuous application submission is possible online at any time. Excluded are expenses for land acquisition, vehicles, in-house services, low-value assets under €1,000, used, leased, or rented assets, as well as business shares and goodwill. Applications are submitted digitally via the funding portal of the Bremer Aufbau-Bank, which accompanies the entire process and provides individual advice during implementation. There is no legal entitlement to funding; however, the program offers an attractive financing route for forward-looking and sustainable investment plans.