Frankfurt am Main – October 28, 2026 -- KfW committed €225 million through its ERP Founder Loan – StartGeld in the first half of 2026, a 75 percent increase on the same period of 2025.
KfW issues about 2,320 commitments, 34 percent more than a year earlier
Between January and June, the German promotional bank granted roughly 2,320 commitments under the programme, which covers business start-ups, company successions and the expansion of young businesses. Funding volume grew faster than the number of approvals (75 percent versus 34 percent). The KfW Start-up Monitor published in May had already shown rising company formation in Germany.
KfW assumes 80 percent of credit risk for commercial banks
Melanie Kehr, KfW board member responsible for domestic promotional business, said the demand shows that many people now want to carry out their entrepreneurial plans. By taking over 80 percent of the credit risk, KfW makes it easier for house banks to lend and improves access to financing, she added. The programme is run on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.
KfW raised the maximum loan from €125,000 to €200,000 in December
The increase took effect last December. The loan targets founders, freelancers and young companies that have been active for no more than five years, and can also finance company successions.
Eligible applicants include small commercial businesses operating as a primary or secondary occupation. Small non-profit companies and commercial social enterprises with a profit motive may also apply. Applications are submitted through the applicant's house bank.