The e-commerce sector is booming relentlessly. More and more retail businesses are moving into the digital space, and this trend has already reached the highest political levels. What many founders and self-employed people do not know: policymakers are responding with substantial support packages. Currently, funding programmes up to 25 million euros are available to take your online business to the next level.

The micro start: risk-free financing for new founders

Are you just starting out and want to test how the market responds to your product? Then the micro-financing programme is the ideal first step. These programmes are offered by the federal states and cover amounts between 25,000 and 50,000 euros. The key advantage for you as a founder: the state and the EU each assume 50% of the liability.

Thanks to this government guarantee, the requirements for collateral and guarantees are extremely low. While traditional commercial banks often push you into interest rates of 8% to 13% due to risk assessments, here you benefit from single-digit interest rates (usually around 5%). In addition, a repayment-free period of up to one year gives you the breathing space you need to generate your first revenues.

Scaling up: up to 200,000 euros for your inventory

If your business is already gaining momentum and you need to order larger quantities, micro-financing is often no longer sufficient. This is where the second component comes in: KfW loan for growth financing. As a new founder, you can access up to 200,000 euros for the initial stocking of your warehouse with new products.

Have you been active in the market for a while? Even then, there are attractive solutions. You can finance up to 80,000 euros for existing product ranges. The key point: these funds are classified by KfW under the area working capital and are not considered pure investment. This often makes the application process easier and more flexible for your day-to-day business.

The ERP programme: the gold standard of start-up financing

For entrepreneurs with big visions, there is the ERP programme. This is a highly specialised development loan, which covers both investments and operating resources on a large scale. Here, we are talking about dimensions that can make your e-commerce business globally competitive.

You have two primary options: With a government risk guarantee, you can apply for up to 7.5 million euros. If your project does not require a risk guarantee, even amounts of up to 25 million euros are possible. A professional Business Plan is your most important ticket to convince your main bank and KfW of the viability of your model.

Your path to capital: Why X-Group is your partner

The best funding is of no use if your application documents are not perfect. The main bank often acts as a gatekeeper and will only submit the application to KfW or the ERP funding pool if it is 100% convinced. This is where we come in. We help you optimally combine the funding modules and prepare your documents so that funders have no choice but to say “yes”.

With our success rate of 99% we support you from the initial research and creation of the business plan through to the actual disbursement of funds. You do not have to go this route alone. We ensure that you receive the liquidity you need for your growth.

How to apply for your voucher and get started

The path to your subsidised consultation is easier than you think. The first step is a conversation with us. Together, we will determine which stage you are at and what support you need. We will advise you on how to apply for the AVGS (activation and placement voucher) with your caseworker and which arguments support the 80-unit programme.

Once you have received the voucher, simply scan it and send it to us. We will take care of the rest – from the participant contract to invoicing with the Employment Agency. You can focus entirely on your business model. Take this opportunity to launch your company with experts by your side.

About X-Group

Belief in your potential and a focus on the things that truly move you forward are the top priorities at X-Group GmbH in Berlin. You receive tailored support that identifies the most important bottlenecks. This way, you remove obstacles and can work purposefully towards your success.