Regional Economic Development Program – Commercial Economy Including Tourism Industry
NRW supports commercial and tourism businesses in structurally weak funding areas with grants for investments aimed at creating or securing permanent jobs. Consulting and training for SMEs are available. Applications accepted until 31.12.2027.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Funding of investment projects, especially for small and medium-sized commercial and tourism enterprises, as well as non-investment measures in designated funding areas of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, aimed at creating or securing permanent jobs and facilitating the transformation towards a climate-neutral and sustainable economy.
Eligible expenses
- Construction measures
- Machinery and equipment
- Intangible assets
- Personnel and personnel expenses
- Consulting and training services
Non-eligible expenses
- Acquisition of passenger cars/trucks
- Relocation costs without job creation
- existing assets that were previously subsidized
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Founders
- Cooperatives
- Non-profit Organizations
- Public Institutions
Funding requirements
- Operational investment in a designated GRW funding area business location in NRW
- Minimum investment costs of €150,000
- Own contribution of at least 25%
- Start within 6 months, completion within 36 months
- Company not in difficulty
Documents required for application
- Application for funding
- Project description
- Financing plan with own contribution
- Cost estimate and investment plans
- Proof of company size (SME)
Evaluation criteria
- Number of permanent jobs created or secured
- Investment amount in relation to depreciation
- Contribution to regional value creation
- Innovation and sustainability aspect
Description
The Regional Economic Development Program (RWP) of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia specifically supports commercial and tourism enterprises in structurally weak C and D funding areas. Investments in new and existing business premises, diversification, as well as modernization of production processes that lead to the creation or securing of permanent jobs are eligible for funding. Companies can receive grants ranging from 10% to 50% of eligible expenses for investment costs starting at €150,000, as well as interest subsidies or guarantee relief. Small and medium-sized enterprises also benefit from funding for consulting, training, and market introduction measures for innovative products. A minimum equity contribution of 25% is required; projects must commence within six months after approval and be completed within 36 months. NRW.BANK acts as the processing agency and accepts applications for grants, low-interest loans, or guarantees.
The funding objective is to strengthen regional value creation, adapt to structural change, and advance the transformation towards a climate-neutral economy. Evaluation criteria primarily include the number of permanent jobs created or secured, the degree of innovation, regional value creation, and sustainability aspects. Funding is available until December 31, 2027, and applications can be submitted continuously. In cases of approval obligations and coordination procedures, processes focus on cost-effectiveness, economy, and prompt processing. Regional networks and cooperations are also supported to enhance the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises. NRW.BANK provides interested parties with free funding consultation and assists with application preparation.
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