Support programs for companies
The European Union, the Federal Republic of Germany, the State of Hesse and the banking industry have Numerous funding programs which are available to commercial enterprises. Within the framework of regional/sectoral promotion, the following options can be considered in the Kassel economic region:
Support program of the state of Hesse: "Operational investments"
Due to their dynamic development the economic region of Kassel (city and district of Kassel) has no longer been classified as a GRW funding area since 2014 (GRW = Joint Task for the Improvement of Regional Economic Structures). However, the state program "Business Investments" could possibly be considered, which also Grants for certain investments by SMEs - companies. The requirements for funding are very similar to GRW funding.
European Structural Funds (ERDF)
Parts of the Kassel economic region have been part of the European Union's funding area for years. In past program periods Mainly subsidies for the expansion of public infrastructure made available.
The new Funding period 2021 to 2027 is geared towards two political objectives of the European Union: "A more competitive and smarter Europe" and "a greener Europe". As part of this, for example, projects for sustainable increase in growth and competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to promote energy efficiency or to develop research and innovation capacities.
During this period, Hesse is expected to receive ERDF funding of EUR 249 million from the European Union for the ERDF program. This involves Funds from the long-term budget of the European Unionalso known as the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which generally covers a period of seven years. Funding is provided for
- Research and development projects in companies
- Pilot, demonstration and development projects
- Investments in production-integrated environmental protection (PIUSInvest)
New directive in Hesse for the promotion of start-ups and SMEs (GuM)
Since January 1, 2024, the new directive of the state of Hesse on the Promotion of start-ups and SMEs. Companies, start-ups and those interested in setting up a business can benefit from a wide range of advice on many different topics thanks to the applicable regulations. Subsidy of 50 to 75 percent benefit from the expert fee.
The directive will apply for eight years, i.e. until the end of 2031. RKW Hessen in a free initial consultation about its advisory services and the funding opportunities offered by RKW Hessen.
Energy consulting for companies - free entry for companies
The partner project LEA Hessen Energy consulting for companies (LEA EfU) supports companies in all sectors with the Increasing energy efficiency. The initiative works on behalf of LEA LandesEnergieAgentur Hessen GmbH, the project sponsor is RKW Hessen GmbH.
In a free impulse consultation the EfU team provides information on the existing consulting and funding opportunities for reducing energy costs. For companies that have not yet identified any energy efficiency measures, for example, the free Initial analysis on site by qualified environmental engineers. Even simple immediate measures can often reduce energy costs by up to twenty percent. The initiative is independent, does not sell or advertise any products and is supported by Hessian chambers, business associations, trade unions and the Hessian state government.
All information on the program, practical examples, efficiency tips, offers and contact details can be found at:
Qualification advice from the state of Hesse
Training advice centers and training officers provide information and advice on how to make employee training even more successful in the future. One Overview of the Hessian qualification advice centers funded by the Hessian Ministry of Economics, Energy, Transport and Regional Development can be found on the portal of the Hessian advice centers:
UNIKAT Crowdfunding
The University of Kassel's crowdfunding platform offers project starters from a wide variety of fields (art, film, music, design, inventions, prototyping, start-ups, etc.) the opportunity to present their ideas and Finding supporters to finance the projects.
Inclusion of severely disabled people
The LWV Hessen Integration Office pursues the The aim of including severely disabled people in working life with a wide range of measures. Through practical solutions and good cooperation, the Integration Office aims to support people with disabilities and their employers to enable and secure their long-term participation in working life. In the Framework of the accompanying assistance can promote the employment of people with disabilities by providing advice and support as well as financial assistance.
Support programs of the banking industry
With subsidized loans from the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) and the Wirtschafts- und Infrastrukturbank Hessen (WIBank) can be applied for directly through your bank. Information and the current conditions can be found on the following websites:
Current loan promotion program: KfW environmental program
The current funding program 240/ 241 is aimed at tradespeople and private companies of all sizes. Funding is provided for investments in "natural climate protection measures". Eligible measures can be, for example:
- Creation and restoration of near-natural and biodiversity-promoting biotopes (areas, small bodies of water)
- Biodiversity-promoting design of green spaces and outdoor areas, planting of trees and shrubs
- Unsealing of paved areas in combination with biodiversity-promoting renaturation measures
- Greening of buildings
- Measures for the infiltration and use of rainwater on site (installation of cisterns, troughs, infiltration trenches)
