KfW ERP Founding Loan
ERP-Förderkredit Gründung und Nachfolge (KfW 077)
Loan 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. Provided by KfW via your bank, with a 100% Bürgschaftsbank guarantee.
Key facts
- Amount
- Loan 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
- Duration
- 10-15 years
- Type
- Loan
- Who receives it
- Individual founder
- Equity
- Conditional
- Repayable
- Yes
- Stages
- Pre-revenue, Revenue, Incorporated
- Solo founders
- Yes
- Full-time required
- Unclear
- Company required
- Unclear
- University link required
- No
- Application languages
- DE
Who can apply
- Commercial or freelance founders, less than 5 years in business
- Apply through your bank before the investment starts
- Can be combined with ERP-Kapital für Gründung (058); EUR 500,000 cap in total
What usually blocks applicants
- Business plan the bank does not find fundable
- Investment already started
Deadline and timing
Rolling through your bank.
Frequently asked
How much does KfW ERP Founding Loan pay?
Loan 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
Who can apply for KfW ERP Founding Loan?
Commercial or freelance founders, less than 5 years in business Apply through your bank before the investment starts Can be combined with ERP-Kapital für Gründung (058); EUR 500,000 cap in total
When is the KfW ERP Founding Loan deadline?
Rolling through your bank.
Where do I apply for KfW ERP Founding Loan?
On the official page: https://www.kfw.de/PDF/Download-Center/F%C3%B6rderprogramme-(Inlandsf%C3%B6rderung)/PDF-Dokumente/6000000213_M_077.pdf. Applications are accepted in DE.
Do I have to pay back KfW ERP Founding Loan or give up equity?
Yes, it is repayable. Equity terms depend on the case; check the official conditions.
Can solo founders apply for KfW ERP Founding Loan?
Yes, solo founders can apply.
Sources and verification
Checked on 9 October 2026. Facts read directly from the official source. This page is orientation, not an eligibility decision.
More funding in Germany (nationwide)
- 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
- Entry Allowance for Self-Employment (Einstiegsgeld)Set case by case on top of Grundsicherungsgeld: base up to 50% of the standard rate (up to about EUR 281/month for a single person, 2026 rate EUR 563), plus 20% if unemployed 2+ years and 10% per extra household member; capped at the full standard rate. Alternatively a flat rate of up to 75% of the standard rate without supplements. Up to 24 months
- Founder Coaching via AVGS voucherReasonable costs of an approved coaching measure paid by the agency via the voucher; scope and hours set on the voucher
- Support for the Self-Employed (SGB II 16c)Usually a loan, grant only in individual cases (grants capped at EUR 5,000 per business; loans can be higher) for necessary business equipment; plus free coaching via third-party providers