Individual measures (Opening up new markets - SMEs):
To strengthen the competitiveness and flexibility of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially in the clus- ters defined within the scope of the joint Berlin-Branden- burg innovation strategy which are of paramount impor- tance for structural change in the region.
To support SMEs with a view to their international orienta- tion and opening up of foreign markets in order to compen- sate for competitive disadvantages due to structural rea- sons.
To support economic growth and a high employment rate in Berlin.
Joint projects:
To improve the competitive strength of Berlin-based com- panies by fostering trans-regional and cross-border co-oper- ation and opening up new markets in Germany and abroad through joint projects designed to open up markets, espe- cially for SMEs, along with the networking of companies. To generate synergies between market development meas-
ures in Germany and abroad (including participation in trade fairs), on the one hand, and the relocation strategy of the Federal Land of Berlin, on the other.
Who
Individual measures (Opening up new markets - SMEs):
Applications can be submitted by SMEs in the manufac- turing sector, production-related service companies and commercial firms as well as SMEs from the defined clusters having their registered office and/or a facility in Berlin which should have been in business for at least three years. Joint projects: Applications can be submitted by business-near institutions - i.e. institutions not orientated towards generating profits and not participating in customary business activities - with their place of business in Berlin as long as such support does not qualify as aid prohibited pursuant to Article 87(1) of the EC Treaty. These institutions include, in particular, chambers, associations, industry networks and other non-profit busi- ness promotion organisation pursuing activities through- out the Federal Land.
What
Individual measures (Opening up new markets - SMEs):
The measures to be supported must be clearly different from measures related to regular business activities, and must promise turnover, revenue and job effects in the Federal Land of Berlin. Support and financing is available for projects in the following modules to the amount of up to 50% of expenditure qualifying for support:
Participation in fairs, trade shows and exhibitions of a most- ly international and professional/technical nature unless such events primarily serve as direct sales tools. Grant of up to EUR 15,000, minimum threshold value: EUR 2,500 Participation in technical/professional conferences, co-op-
eration and supplier exchanges as well as delegation visits of a mostly international and professional/technical nature. Grant of up to EUR 5,000, minimum threshold value: EUR 1,500
Development of company-specific market development and distribution concepts, regional and sector-related market analyses, marketing strategies and feasibility studies for the target country by external consultants. Grant of up to EUR 5,000, minimum threshold value: EUR 1,500 New employment of a qualified foreign trade assistant who will support the company in its efforts to open up new mar- kets abroad. Grant of up to EUR 20,000 for the gross pay of the employee according to his/her employment contract, ex- cluding special payments, for a period of twelve months.
(EU) EUROPEAN UNION European Regional Development Fund Investment in your future
Joint projects:
The following measures are eligible for support, either individ- ually or as part of an overall concept for market development measures in Germany and abroad, up to 100% of the total ex- penditure qualifying for support or up to a maximum of EUR 150,000:
Joint projects and industry information booths at fairs and exhibitions of trans-regional relevance in Germany and abroad, primarily such fairs and exhibitions that are record- ed in the Berlin-Brandenburg trade fair schedule. Each year, the trade fair schedule is issued by the Senate Department for Economics, Technology and Research following consul- tation with the “Opening new markets” committee and the Federal Land of Brandenburg. A uniform presentation of the capital city region must be ensured during preparation and implementation (refer to the leaflet which can be download- ed from IBB‘s website).
Trips by company delegations that particularly serve the economic interests of the Federal Land of Berlin.
Location presentations that particularly serve the economic interests of the Federal Land of Berlin.
Contact and co-operation exchanges, workshops and in- formation events in Germany and abroad that particularly serve the economic interests of the Federal Land of Berlin. Market entry competitions that particularly serve the eco-
nomic interests of the Federal Land of Berlin.
Allowances for a joint project can total up to 100% (maxi- mum of EUR 150,000) of the total expenditure eligible for support. Support under more than one programme is ruled out.
How
Individual measures (Opening up new markets - SMEs):
Formal applications must, as a general rule, but submitted by uploading to IBB no later than six weeks prior to the com- mencement date of the measure concerned. Several meas- ures can be applied for on one application form.
The information and requirements laid down in the “Leaf- let for applications for, grants of and accounting for support as part of the “Opening up new markets - promoting small and medium-sized enterprises (Opening up new markets - SMEs)” programme must be adhered to.
Joint projects:
Applications for support for joint projects and industry in- formation booths at trade fairs and exhibitions should be submitted using the UPLOAD procedure no later than twelve weeks after the federal land trade fair schedule has been is- sued. Other applications must be submitted to IBB using the upload procedure at least six weeks before the measure com- mences.
Application forms and documents concerning the “Opening up new markets” programme can be downloaded at: www.ibb. de/NME.
Support for individual projects (Opening up new markets - SMEs) is subject to de-minimis rules (refer to page 136).
Where
Investitionsbank Berlin
Bundesallee 210, 10719 Berlin
Kundenberatung Wirtschaftsförderung (Business Customer Centre)
Telephone: +49 (0) 30 / 2125-4747 Fax: +49 (0) 30 / 2125-4329
E-mail: [email protected]