NRW.BANK SME Fund

The NRW.BANK Mittelstandsfonds provides small and medium-sized enterprises, cooperatives, and start-ups in North Rhine-Westphalia with flexible equity participation solutions. Through silent partnerships and equity-like financing, the equity base is strengthened, thereby promoting investments and supporting growth and innovation projects. The loan structure allows financing of both investment costs and working capital, while refinancing of existing debts is excluded. Ongoing application submissions ensure demand-oriented fund allocation, which is assessed based on the economic viability and market opportunities of the project. With a focus on sustainability and future-proof business models, the fund aims to sustainably improve the equity ratio and secure long-term growth prospects.

Eligible applicants are SMEs as defined by the EU, with headquarters or operations in North Rhine-Westphalia, possessing positive earnings and future prospects. Submission requires a comprehensive business concept or business plan, current financial statements, liquidity planning, and a shareholder resolution. Evaluation is based on economic viability, market opportunities of the proposed project, and the intended strengthening of the equity base. As the fund is continuously open, applications can be submitted at any time to implement investment projects, advance digital transformation measures, or secure growth projects in the long term. Interested parties can obtain detailed information on conditions and the application process from the development bank of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.