In addition to your own funds, there are numerous public funding programs at the state, federal, and EU levels that secure liquidity during the start-up phase. As the central point of contact in the Steinfurt district, we clarify the eligibility requirements and assist with the application process.
Your first point of contact for funding programs!
Unemployment benefit I: Start-up grant
Entitlement to unemployment benefit I is an essential prerequisite for receiving the start-up grant. In the first six months, start-ups initially receive a monthly grant equal to the amount of unemployment benefit I plus a lump sum of €300 for social security. After this initial support phase, the economic activity is reviewed again. If this is confirmed, the Employment Agency can grant further lump-sum subsidies of €300 per month for a further nine months. The subsidy must be applied for at the responsible Employment Agency before starting self-employment. To apply, a written business plan and a professional opinion must be submitted, and personal and professional suitability must be demonstrated. Important: You must still have a remaining entitlement to unemployment benefit I of 150 days. There is no legal entitlement. Further information on the eligibility requirements is available from the responsible Employment Agency.
Basic income support for job seekers: further support options
Entrepreneurs who receive basic income support can apply for certain subsidies once the viability of their project has been established. Interested parties should contact the employment agency at the business center or their local municipality.
Public loans
Every start-up needs a solid financial foundation. KfW Mittelstandsbank and NRW.Bank offer founders numerous loans for the start-up phase. Feel free to contact your bank for more information.
Benefit from the advantages of public loans:
- Security: Fixed interest rates over the entire term.
- Flexibility: Grace periods and often the option of making special repayments.
- Relief: Possible liability exemptions.
Start-up grant NRW
Do you have a future-oriented technology or an innovative business model for North Rhine-Westphalia? Then the state offers the perfect start-up assistance! The NRW start-up grant gives you financial freedom during the challenging start-up phase so that you can concentrate fully on implementing your idea.
As an accredited STARTERCENTER NRW, WESt mbH is your point of contact: we hold regular jury meetings where you can pitch your idea.
Note: Due to the high demand for the “NRW Startup Grant” in recent months and in order to process the large number of applications received, jury meetings will be suspended for the time being starting April 1, 2026. Jury meetings are expected to resume later this year. Applications already received will continue to be processed, and the corresponding startup grants will be awarded.
Go-to-Market voucher
With its "Go-to-Market Voucher" funding program, the state government is supporting young start-ups in the development of prototypes for digital products. Grants of up to €35,000 are being awarded for this purpose.
Start-ups make a decisive contribution to the digital and sustainable transformation of the economy, as they are a key driver of innovative technologies and solutions. The "Go-to-Market Voucher" therefore aims to increase the number of start-ups successfully entering the market in North Rhine-Westphalia.
