Thuringian Microloan Program
Loans between 5,000 and 35,000 euros for start-ups, young companies, and freelancers in Thuringia. Term up to 7 years, including up to 12 months repayment-free. Consultation through ThEx Enterprise required.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The Free State of Thuringia grants microloans to finance operational expenses in the context of start-up projects, company acquisitions and successions, as well as to strengthen young enterprises.
Eligible expenses
- Operating expenses
- Investment projects
- Measures to improve market access
- Acquisition of operating resources, goods, or materials
- Purchase of company shares
Non-eligible expenses
- Refinancing and follow-up financing of existing loans
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Founders
- Cooperatives
Funding requirements
- Eligibility as a founder or young company (maximum 8 years after establishment)
- Positive statement from a consulting office of the Thuringian Center for Start-ups and Entrepreneurship (ThEx Enterprise)
- Proof of capital requirement for investment or operational expenses
- Project must not have started before approval
- In case of business succession, proof of active co-entrepreneurship with at least 10% participation
Documents required for application
- Microloan application form
- Financial situation attachment
- De minimis declaration
- PEP declaration
- Project description/business concept
- Financing plan
- Curriculum vitae
- Credit report self-disclosure
- Annual financial statement
Evaluation criteria
- Convincing business and project concept
- Economic viability
- Positive statement from ThEx Enterprise
- Market opportunities and sustainability
Description
The Thuringian Microloan Program grants low-interest loans ranging from 5,000 to 35,000 euros to finance business-related expenses for start-ups, company participations and successions, as well as to strengthen young companies in Thuringia. The maximum term is seven years, with up to twelve months possible as a repayment-free period. Disbursement is made at 100%, and collateral is not required. Interest and repayment installments are due monthly in arrears; special repayments are possible at any time without prepayment penalties. After six months of disturbance-free repayment or full repayment of the first microloan, a follow-up loan can be applied for, which can amount to a total of up to 45,000 euros. The basis for funding is the De-minimis Regulation, whereby the interest advantage is accounted for as aid value. The Thuringian Development Bank (TAB) decides on loan approval on a private law basis and at its discretion.
Funding is provided to founders, young companies (including cooperatives), and freelancers within the first eight years after starting business operations, as well as to persons with at least ten percent company participation for the purpose of succession. A positive assessment from ThEx Enterprise, which conducts thorough consulting as well as examination of the concept and financing plan, is a prerequisite. A convincing business concept, economic viability, and positive market prospects are among the evaluation criteria. Applications are submitted continuously before the start of the project via ThEx Enterprise; the complete application documents include, among others, a financing plan, De-minimis declaration, CV, and annual financial statements. The objective of the measure is to stabilize start-up projects in the long term, create jobs, and promote economic dynamism in the Free State of Thuringia.