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In Berlin, a state program will be launched next Monday with grants for small and medium-sized enterprises that are in danger of running into difficulties in view of increased energy costs.
Applications can be submitted digitally to Investitionsbank Berlin from Monday (May 15) until the end of October, as announced by the Senate Department for Economic Affairs on Tuesday. The maximum amount is 300,000 euros. Accordingly, a total of 252 million euros is available.
The prerequisite for an application is proof of an increase in energy costs of at least 50 percent in the past year compared to 2021. A one-time grant of 90 percent can be applied for on the additional costs above that. The program, called "SME energy hardship assistance", is also intended for non-profit companies, entrepreneurial associations, solo self-employed and freelancers. The aid was decided by the red-green-red Senate at the beginning of February.
Berlin's economy performed well last year, said the new Senator for Economic Affairs Franziska Giffey. "But that should not obscure the fact that the ongoing crisis-ridden period poses major challenges for many companies." With 200 million from the state and 52 million euros from the federal government, she said, a strong protective umbrella is being put in place.