Annika Ahlers brings regionally produced food to Münster's kitchens. More and more people are demanding fresh, regional food. (Photo: © NRW.BANK / Lokomotiv)
Read aloud:
June 18, 2021
With financial support, founders can better manage the initial investments. Government funding programs offer tailored assistance.
Annika Ahlers (pictured) brings regionally produced food to the kitchens of Münster. "More and more people want fresh, regional food from the farm, but not everyone has a farm shop nearby," she explains. So, in 2019, she founded " Bauernbox " (Farmers' Box) and sells products from farmers throughout the Münsterland region on the website bauernbox.com.
To prevent food waste, harvesting only takes place after the customer has ordered the desired goods from the farm. The fresh produce is then delivered to a shop near the customer . The recipient can then pick up the order in Münster and now also in other surrounding areas. In Münster, it can even be delivered to their home by cargo bike.
To implement her business idea, Annika Ahlers needed financial support. She took advantage of the NRW.Mikrodarlehen funding program . This low-interest loan is specifically designed for founders of micro-enterprises up to five years after starting their business. Loan amounts of up to €50.000 can finance all expenses related to the start-up and subsequent growth of the business, without requiring collateral.
"Business start-ups and startups are essential for the future of the business location – as a development bank, we contribute to making North Rhine-Westphalia the number one state for start-ups. Because in North Rhine-Westphalia, no good idea should fail due to a lack of financing," says Michael Stölting, member of the board of NRW.BANK.
Operations management
Operations management
Craft policy
For every phase of a startup, there is tailored support available – whether it's a launch with relatively low investment, the capital-intensive development of a prototype, a startup in the scaling and growth phase , or a founder taking over an existing business as part of a succession plan. As the state's development bank, NRW.BANK offers a comprehensive program ranging from low-interest loans and equity financing to consulting services.
"No good idea should fail due to lack of funding in North Rhine-Westphalia." Michael Stölting , Member of the Board of NRW.BANK
The pandemic continues to dominate economic activity. The state development bank is providing intensive advice on current federal and state funding programs and has also adapted its own offerings in response to the crisis . For example, the 80% liability exemption for the NRW.BANK.Universal loan expands the lending options available to the company's primary bank.
The actual application for funding also goes through the bank, whether it's a cooperative bank, savings bank, or private bank. NRW.BANK works with all credit institutions, which then disburse the funding. Especially for larger projects, the company boss should always contact their bank's corporate client advisor and ask about funding options. The goal is to find the right financing mix for each project.
Founders can receive support from NRW.BANK with loans, equity capital and funding advice.
Important: Apply for funding first, then invest. If projects are already underway, they will not receive funding.
✓ Use advice: Contact the funding advisory service of NRW.BANK, one of the STARTERCENTER NRW or a chamber.
✓ Contact your bank: Present your business plan there and clarify funding options and the question of collateral.
✓ Apply for funding: Apply for the funding with your bank. Your bank will submit the application to NRW.BANK.
✓ Conclude a loan agreement: After the application has been reviewed, you conclude the loan agreement with your bank.
✓ Implement projects: Start your project.
Source: NRW.BANK's 2020 Founder Brochure "The Path to Funding"
CONCLUSIONStart: It all starts with a business idea and a good business plan.
Assistance: A development bank can provide financial start-up assistance.
Pilot: Your bank will direct you to the development bank, help you with the application, and submit it there.
Growth: Development banks offer support for every phase of a business.
Newsletter
Write a comment