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Ministry for Food, Rural Affairs, and Consumer Protection Supports Rural Businesses in Baden-Württemberg
The Ministry for Food, Rural Affairs, and Consumer Protection in Baden-Württemberg is implementing targeted measures to support businesses in rural areas. With a focus on sustainable development and economic resilience, the ministry is providing funding opportunities to strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in rural regions. This initiative, known as “Spitze auf dem Land! Technologieführer für Baden-Württemberg” (Excellence in the Countryside! Technological Leaders for Baden-Württemberg), aims to promote innovative companies and projects that have the potential to contribute to the technological leadership of Baden-Württemberg.
“Our small and medium-sized enterprises in rural areas are the backbone of our economy. In times of economic challenges, targeted support and strategic investments are even more important to secure jobs and drive rural development,” emphasized Minister Peter Hauk of the Ministry for Food, Rural Affairs, and Consumer Protection.
Funding Opportunities for Innovative SMEs
The funding program “Spitze auf dem Land! Technologieführer für Baden-Württemberg” is aimed at innovative companies that have the potential to become technological leaders. These companies play a crucial role in shaping the well-balanced structure of Baden-Württemberg and are essential for driving innovation and future viability. Under this program, small businesses with fewer than 50 employees can receive up to a 20% subsidy for their investments, while medium-sized enterprises with fewer than 100 employees can receive up to a 10% subsidy. The maximum funding amount per project is €400,000. Additionally, companies making a significant contribution to the bioeconomy and circular economy can receive grants of up to €500,000 under the Green Deal framework.
Supporting Rural Development and Economic Growth
The program supports investments in buildings, machinery, and equipment for the development and economic utilization of new or improved products and services. For the funding period of 2021-2027, approximately €40 million is available for the “Spitze auf dem Land! Technologieführer für Baden-Württemberg” program. These funds are provided through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Baden-Württemberg Rural Development Program (ELR).
In the previous funding round, 21 companies applied for funding, and 14 projects were selected for a total subsidy of €5.6 million. To apply for the funding, municipalities collaborate with the respective companies and submit applications on their behalf. The decision on project admission is made by the Ministry for Food, Rural Affairs, and Consumer Protection, based on recommendations from the evaluation committee.
Application Deadline and Further Information
Interested companies can submit their applications for the “Spitze auf dem Land! Technologieführer für Baden-Württemberg” program in collaboration with their municipalities by Monday, February 28th. More information about the program can be found on the website of the Ministry for Food, Rural Affairs, and Consumer Protection at mlr.baden-wuerttemberg.de and at efre-bw.de.
With this funding opportunity, the Ministry for Food, Rural Affairs, and Consumer Protection aims to support the growth and development of innovative businesses in rural areas, ensuring long-term job creation and prosperity for rural communities in Baden-Württemberg.