ERP Capital for Founders (subordinated loan)
ERP-Kapital für Gründung (KfW 058)
Subordinated loan up to EUR 500,000 that counts as equity; tops up own funds to 45% (50% in eastern states and Berlin) of costs; no collateral; 15 years with 7 repayment-free. Provided by KfW via your bank.
Check if you qualify for ERP Capital for Founders (subordinated loan)
Answer a few questions about you and your project. The co-pilot opens ERP Capital for Founders (subordinated loan) for you and shows what already fits, what blocks you and what to do next.
- Concrete reasons, not a score
- Deadline and first steps
- Other programs that fit you
Key facts
- Amount
- Subordinated loan up to EUR 500,000 that counts as equity; tops up own funds to 45% (50% in eastern states and Berlin) of costs; no collateral; 15 years with 7 repayment-free
- Duration
- 15 years (7 repayment-free)
- Type
- Loan
- Who receives it
- Individual founder
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayable
- Yes
- Stages
- Pre-revenue, Revenue, Incorporated
- Solo founders
- Yes
- Full-time required
- Yes
- Company required
- No
- University link required
- No
- Application languages
- DE
- Location
- Business founded in Germany
Who can apply
- Natural persons founding a commercial or freelance business in Germany as their main occupation
- Business less than 3 years old (counted from first revenue)
- Own funds of at least 15% of costs (10% in eastern states and Berlin)
- Personal liability of the founder; 1% p.a. guarantee fee included in the rate
- Apply through your bank before the project starts
What usually blocks applicants
- Not enough own funds for the minimum share
- Side-business start-ups not eligible
- Bank does not pass on the loan
- Project already started
Deadline and timing
Rolling through your bank.
Frequently asked
How much does ERP Capital for Founders (subordinated loan) pay?
Subordinated loan up to EUR 500,000 that counts as equity; tops up own funds to 45% (50% in eastern states and Berlin) of costs; no collateral; 15 years with 7 repayment-free
Who can apply for ERP Capital for Founders (subordinated loan)?
Stages: pre-revenue, revenue, incorporated. Solo founders can apply. You can apply before registering a company. Location: Business founded in Germany. The full list of conditions is under Who can apply above.
When is the ERP Capital for Founders (subordinated loan) deadline?
Rolling through your bank.
Where do I apply for ERP Capital for Founders (subordinated loan)?
On the official page: https://www.kfw.de/inlandsfoerderung/Privatpersonen/Existenzgr%C3%BCndung/F%C3%B6rderprodukte/ERP-Kapital-f%C3%BCr-Gr%C3%BCndung-(058)/. Applications are accepted in DE.
Do I have to pay back ERP Capital for Founders (subordinated loan) or give up equity?
Yes, it is repayable. It takes no equity.
Can solo founders apply for ERP Capital for Founders (subordinated loan)?
Yes, solo founders can apply.
Sources and verification
Checked on 19 October 2026. Most facts read from the official source; some details need confirmation. This page is orientation, not an eligibility decision.
More funding in Germany (nationwide)
- KfW ERP Start-up Loan StartGeldUp to EUR 200,000 (working capital up to EUR 80,000); KfW takes 80% of the bank's risk; fixed, ERP-subsidised interest (current rates at kfw.de/konditionen)
- KfW ERP Founding LoanLoan up to EUR 500,000 for up to 35% of costs; 15 years with 5 repayment-free, or 10 with 2; a Bürgschaftsbank guarantees 100%, so no other collateral
- ERP Digitalisation and Innovation LoanLoan from EUR 25,000, up to 100% of costs (up to EUR 7.5m for innovative companies, EUR 25m per project); plus an ERP grant of 3% of the loan for digitalisation or innovation projects
- EXIST Business Start-up GrantPer person per month for 12 months: EUR 3,000 (PhD), 2,500 (graduates), 2,000 (vocational qualification), 1,000 (students); + EUR 150 per child; + materials up to EUR 10,000 (solo) or 30,000 (team); + EUR 5,000 coaching
- EXIST WomenEUR 2,000 material budget per participant plus mentoring, workshops and coaching; some participants also get a stipend of up to 3 months (EUR 1,000 to 3,000/month by qualification, + EUR 150 per child), at the host's discretion
- Start-up Subsidy (Gründungszuschuss)6 months: last ALG I amount + EUR 300/month for social insurance; then optionally 9 months EUR 300/month (separate application). Tax-free