KfW Start-Up Loan: Amount, Terms & Application

What Is the KfW Start-Up Loan?

The KfW start-up loan is a low-interest development loan from the state-owned KfW bank for business start-ups and young businesses. It finances investments and working capital on better terms than an ordinary bank loan.

“KfW-Gründerkredit” is the umbrella term for several programs: above all StartGeld (067) and the ERP development loan for founding and succession (077).

Which KfW Programs Are There for Founders (067 vs. 077)?

Two central programs: the ERP Start-up Loan – StartGeld (067) for projects of up to €200,000 and the ERP development loan for founding and succession (077) for larger capital requirements and business successions.

Rule of thumb: StartGeld (067) up to €200,000; above that, or for a succession, the 077. Both run through the house bank.

How High Is the KfW Start-Up Loan?

StartGeld (067) offers up to €200,000 (of which up to €80,000 for working capital). The ERP development loan (077) covers capital requirements beyond that for larger projects and takeovers.

How Do I Apply for the KfW Start-Up Loan (House Bank Principle)?

Not directly at KfW but through the house bank principle (Hausbankprinzip): you submit the application to your house bank, which reviews it, forwards it to KfW, and pays out the loan. It is important that the application is submitted before the project begins.

Note: We are start-up consultants, not a bank. We prepare the business plan and application to be bankable and accompany you to the bank meeting; the loan commitment is issued by your house bank.

Can I Get the KfW Start-Up Loan Without Equity?

Yes. StartGeld (067) does not necessarily require equity and is therefore accessible even without savings. Equity or a guarantee, however, improves the terms and the likelihood of approval.

What Are the Interest Rates and Terms in 2026?

The interest rates are favorable thanks to funding and follow KfW’s risk-based interest system (depending on creditworthiness and collateral). StartGeld runs for up to 5 or up to 10 years, with up to one or two repayment-free start-up years, respectively.

Because interest rates change continually, the current KfW terms of the day or your house bank’s offer always apply.

Who Decides on the Loan: KfW or the Bank?

Your house bank makes the credit decision, not KfW. KfW refinances the loan and partially releases the house bank from liability. The bank must therefore be willing to support your project.

That is why a convincing, bankable set of documents is so important: it decides whether the house bank goes along.

What Is the Liability Exemption?

With the liability exemption (Haftungsfreistellung), KfW takes over part of the house bank’s credit risk: 80% with StartGeld. This reduces the bank’s risk considerably and makes approval easier, especially when there is little collateral.

Can I Get the KfW Loan Despite a SCHUFA Entry?

An impeccable credit standing is a basic requirement. Negative SCHUFA entries (SCHUFA is Germany’s main credit bureau) generally lead to rejection, since the house bank assesses the default risk. Minor, settled entries need to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

If collateral is missing (not creditworthiness), a guarantee bank can help take on the risk.

What Should I Do If the KfW Start-Up Loan Is Rejected?

First clarify the exact reason. It often helps to improve the documents, add a guarantee, choose a different program, or try another house bank.

We analyze the rejection with you and prepare a viable second attempt.

Equity: what KfW requires and what the house bank expects

For most programs (for example StartGeld 067 or the ERP development loan for SMEs), KfW requires no minimum equity; formally, up to 100% of the costs can be financed. However, because the loan runs through your house bank and the house bank shares the risk, the bank in practice usually expects 10–20% own funds before it commits. Equity improves creditworthiness, terms, and the likelihood of approval.

Exception for takeovers and succession: Here the equity ratio is often less decisive, because the running business with its cash flow and assets serves as collateral. We prepare your application in such a way that the house bank goes along with it.

KfW programs at a glance

The most important KfW funding routes in one place. We clarify in the free initial consultation which program fits your project.

KfW – The business plan as a basis (start-up & succession) Information page · KfW – orientation on business plans & development loans

We check external links to official bodies each time this page is updated (see the date above). Content and terms may change; the source itself is always authoritative.