Start-up Capital Program of Saarland

Start-up Capital Program of Saarland provides low-interest loans ranging from EUR 2,500 to 25,000 and supports founders, business consolidators (within the first five years), freelancers, and young companies in Saarland in financing investments and working capital. The loan term extends up to ten years with two repayment-free grace years. For the first 24 months, the interest is covered by the state, and in certain cases – for example, for women after parental leave or graduates of technical further training – even up to 36 months. A one hundred percent coverage of the total financing requirement is possible, provided that equity or other loan funds are demonstrated. Debt restructuring and additional financing are excluded, and applications can be submitted continuously before the project start through the house bank.

To sustainably strengthen the equity base, the program offers the possibility to convert up to 20% of the loan amount into a repayment grant, provided that at least three social security-obligatory full-time jobs or training positions are created within two years and maintained for three years. An additional interest reduction of 1 percentage point is granted if voluntary participation in entrepreneurial consulting programs takes place. Funding requirements include a coherent business concept as well as proof of professional and vocational qualifications. Collateral securities are waived; personal liability of the applicants suffices. Further details on eligible expenses, evaluation criteria, and required documents can be found in the guidelines of the Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Digital Affairs and Energy as well as at Saarländische Investitionskreditbank AG.