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KfW ERP Start-up Loan StartGeld

ERP-Gründerkredit - StartGeld (067)

Up 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). Provided by KfW via Hausbank.

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Key facts

Amount
Up 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)
Duration
up to 5 years (1 grace year) or up to 10 years (2 grace years)
Type
Loan
Who receives it
Founder or team
Equity
Conditional
Repayable
Yes
Stages
Pre-revenue, Revenue, Incorporated
Solo founders
Yes
Full-time required
No
Company required
No
University link required
No
Application languages
DE
Location
Business founded in Germany

Who can apply

  • Founders, freelancers and small businesses under 5 years since first revenue
  • Fewer than 50 employees and turnover or balance sheet up to EUR 10m
  • Side-business (Nebenerwerb) start-ups eligible
  • Application via house bank before project start

What usually blocks applicants

  • Hausbank refuses to pass on loan
  • No collateral or income track
  • Business plan weak
  • Project already started (follow-up and refinancing not eligible)

What the official documents say

  • Max EUR 200,000 per project, of which max EUR 80,000 for working capital (p. 4)
  • For founders and small firms active under 5 years since first revenue; <50 staff, max EUR 10m (p. 2)
  • Side-business (Nebenerwerb) start-ups are eligible; refinancing of started projects is not (p. 3)
  • Up to 5 years (1 grace year) or 10 years (2 grace years); apply before project start (p. 5)
  • KfW takes 80% of the bank's risk (Haftungsfreistellung) (p. 2)
  • Usual bank collateral; for a GmbH/UG shareholders co-guarantee pro rata (p. 6)
Official PDF (DE): ERP-Gründerkredit StartGeld – Merkblatt Kredit Nr. 067, version 2026-06-18

Deadline and timing

Always open via Hausbank.

Frequently asked

How much does KfW ERP Start-up Loan StartGeld pay?

Up 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)

Who can apply for KfW ERP Start-up Loan StartGeld?

Founders, freelancers and small businesses under 5 years since first revenue Fewer than 50 employees and turnover or balance sheet up to EUR 10m Side-business (Nebenerwerb) start-ups eligible Application via house bank before project start

When is the KfW ERP Start-up Loan StartGeld deadline?

Always open via Hausbank.

Where do I apply for KfW ERP Start-up Loan StartGeld?

On the official page: https://www.kfw.de/inlandsfoerderung/Unternehmen/Gründen-Nachfolgen/Förderprodukte/ERP-Gründerkredit-Startgeld-(067)/. Applications are accepted in DE.

Do I have to pay back KfW ERP Start-up Loan StartGeld 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 Start-up Loan StartGeld?

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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