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GründungsBONUS Plus

50% grant of eligible costs, max EUR 50,000 (de minimis), paid as reimbursement in up to 4 instalments. Provided by State of Berlin / IBB Business Team.

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Key facts

Amount
50% grant of eligible costs, max EUR 50,000 (de minimis), paid as reimbursement in up to 4 instalments
Duration
expenses within 2 years of application
Type
Grant
Who receives it
Company
Equity
Equity-free
Repayable
No
Stages
Pre-revenue, Revenue, Incorporated
Solo founders
Yes
Full-time required
Unclear
Company required
Yes
University link required
No
Application languages
DE, EN
Location
Company seat and funded site in Berlin for at least 3 years after final payment

Who can apply

  • Profit-oriented start-up (trade business, freelancer or corporation) formally established at application
  • Micro-enterprise, not older than 18 months at application
  • Founders together hold more than 50% of shares and run the company
  • Innovative technological, digital, creative or social business model (strong sustainability can offset weaker innovation)
  • Excluded: construction, gastronomy and hotels (unless an ecological, sustainable-food or energy-efficiency innovation) and retail (except mail order and some sustainable products)
  • Eligible: materials and investments, operating costs, salaries up to EUR 2,000 gross/month per person, external services
  • Founder salaries max 25% and all personnel costs max 60% of total eligible costs
  • Apply online before signing contracts for funded investments

What usually blocks applicants

  • Company older than 18 months
  • Own contribution of 50% not available
  • Contracts signed before application
  • Excluded sector
  • Not innovative enough

What the official documents say

  • 50% of eligible costs, max EUR 50,000; costs must arise within 2 years (section 5.2)
  • Company max 18 months old at online application, fewer than 10 employees (section 3.1)
  • Founders hold more than 50% of shares (section 3.1)
  • Salaries max EUR 2,000 gross/month per person; founder costs max 25%, personnel max 60% (5.2)
  • No project start before the application arrives; signed supply contracts are not eligible (4.1)
  • Seat stays in Berlin at least 3 years after final payment; apply by 30 Sep 2027 (4.3, 8)
Official PDF (DE): Richtlinie des Landes Berlin zur Förderung von Unternehmensgründungen (Startups) im Rahmen des Programms „Gründungsbonus Plus“, version 2026-01-16

Deadline and timing

Open; applications accepted until 30 Sep 2027 (guideline of 16 Jan 2026, valid until 31 Dec 2027).

Frequently asked

How much does GründungsBONUS Plus pay?

50% grant of eligible costs, max EUR 50,000 (de minimis), paid as reimbursement in up to 4 instalments

Who can apply for GründungsBONUS Plus?

Profit-oriented start-up (trade business, freelancer or corporation) formally established at application Micro-enterprise, not older than 18 months at application Founders together hold more than 50% of shares and run the company Innovative technological, digital, creative or social business model (strong sustainability can offset weaker innovation) Excluded: construction, gastronomy and hotels (unless an ecological, sustainable-food or energy-efficiency innovation) and retail (except mail order and some sustainable products) Eligible: materials and investments, operating costs, salaries up to EUR 2,000 gross/month per person, external services Founder salaries max 25% and all personnel costs max 60% of total eligible costs Apply online before signing contracts for funded investments

When is the GründungsBONUS Plus deadline?

Open; applications accepted until 30 Sep 2027 (guideline of 16 Jan 2026, valid until 31 Dec 2027).

Where do I apply for GründungsBONUS Plus?

On the official page: https://www.ibb.de/de/foerderprogramme/gruendungsbonus.html. Applications are accepted in DE, EN.

Do I have to pay back GründungsBONUS Plus or give up equity?

No, it does not have to be paid back. It takes no equity.

Can solo founders apply for GründungsBONUS Plus?

Yes, solo founders can apply.

Sources and verification

Checked on 8 October 2026. Facts read directly from the official source. This page is orientation, not an eligibility decision.

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