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Leipzig trade fair grant

Erschließung neuer Märkte – Messeförderung (Mittelstandsförderprogramm Stadt Leipzig)

50% of stand, travel and fair-marketing costs. Caps: €1,500 (German fair), €2,000 (foreign fair), €750 (German conference), €1,000 (foreign conference/delegation trip). Up to 3 grants per year.. Provided by Stadt Leipzig, Amt für Wirtschaftsförderung.

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Key facts

Amount
50% of stand, travel and fair-marketing costs. Caps: €1,500 (German fair), €2,000 (foreign fair), €750 (German conference), €1,000 (foreign conference/delegation trip). Up to 3 grants per year.
Duration
Not fixed
Type
Grant
Who receives it
Company
Equity
Equity-free
Repayable
No
Stages
Revenue, Incorporated
Solo founders
Yes
Full-time required
No
Company required
Yes
University link required
No
Application languages
DE
Location
Seat or branch in Leipzig

Who can apply

  • KMU in Leipzig; normally needs ≥1 FTE besides owners, but young firms (full-time founding ≤3 years) are exempt
  • Exhibitor or active participation (conferences, symposia, delegation trips count)
  • Same event fundable max 3 times
  • Not if SAB/federal fair funding is used for the same event

What usually blocks applicants

  • Transport companies (Verkehrssektor) and the other sectors on the city's exclusion list (Anlage 5 of form 81/021/02.26)
  • Apply ≥4 weeks before the event
  • City budget can run out before year-end
  • Event also eligible for SAB/federal fair funding
  • Older firm with no employee besides the owners

What the official documents say

  • 50% of costs; caps EUR 1,500 German fair, EUR 2,000 foreign fair, EUR 750/1,000 conferences
  • Eligible: stand rent/fees, travel and hotel, fair marketing; car at max EUR 0.30/km
  • Needs ≥1 FTE besides owners, unless founded max. 3 years ago
  • Apply ≥4 weeks before the event; same event max. 3 times; max. 3 grants per year
  • Not for fairs fundable via SAB or federal/state programmes
Official PDF (DE): Steckbrief zur Maßnahme MP20B04 – Erschließung neuer Märkte (Messeförderung), Mittelstandsförderprogramm Leipzig, version 2020-01-01

Why founders miss it

Conference talks and delegation trips count, not only fair booths. A solo founder speaking at a European conference can get half the travel back.

Deadline and timing

Year-round, ≥4 weeks before the event, subject to budget. Proof of use due within 3 months after the event period; paid in arrears.

Frequently asked

How much does Leipzig trade fair grant pay?

50% of stand, travel and fair-marketing costs. Caps: €1,500 (German fair), €2,000 (foreign fair), €750 (German conference), €1,000 (foreign conference/delegation trip). Up to 3 grants per year.

Who can apply for Leipzig trade fair grant?

KMU in Leipzig; normally needs ≥1 FTE besides owners, but young firms (full-time founding ≤3 years) are exempt Exhibitor or active participation (conferences, symposia, delegation trips count) Same event fundable max 3 times Not if SAB/federal fair funding is used for the same event

When is the Leipzig trade fair grant deadline?

Year-round, ≥4 weeks before the event, subject to budget. Proof of use due within 3 months after the event period; paid in arrears.

Where do I apply for Leipzig trade fair grant?

On the official page: https://www.leipzig.de/wirtschaft/mittelstand-staerken/mittelstandsfoerderprogramm. Applications are accepted in DE.

Do I have to pay back Leipzig trade fair grant or give up equity?

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

Can solo founders apply for Leipzig trade fair grant?

Yes, solo founders can apply.

Sources and verification

Checked on 8 October 2026. Some facts come from secondary sources. Confirm everything on the official page before applying. This page is orientation, not an eligibility decision.

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