North Rhine-Westphalia supports green start-ups with a business competition

It is aimed to help new companies create business plans

The German state of North Rhine-Westphalia supports green start-ups with business planning and financing. On 1 June 2021, entrepreneurs with business ideas in the area of ​​the “green economy” will be accompanied by experts for five months on their way to a well-founded business plan.

From the beginning of June, those interested in founding a company can apply to take part in this year's state business plan competition. The teams receive coaching offers and support in developing business plans from qualified mentors.

Promotion of “Green economy”

The winners will receive prize money totalling 15,000 euros as well as video productions for professional company presentations. The competition is aimed at start-up owners who want to contribute to a more environmentally friendly community and climate protection with innovative products or services. The foundation must be in North Rhine-Westphalia and can date back up to two years.

“The environmental economy is a central key industry and a driver of innovation when it comes to important future and sustainability issues. Investments in green start-ups are investments in a sustainable, environmentally friendly and climate-friendly future. Our goal is to support founders with creative and innovative ideas in the field of green economy from the first idea to market readiness,” said Ursula Heinen-Esser, Environment Minister of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.

At the beginning of May 2021, the Ministry of the Environment launched a new funding competition called “InnovationUmweltwirtschaft.NRW” with a planned financing volume of up to 23 million euros from European Union funds (REACT programme to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic). Submissions are possible until 13 June 2021.

“KUER.NRW | Green start-ups North Rhine-Westphalia” is for those interested in founding a company. It encourages them to do the first draft of their business idea and provides qualified feedback. KUER.NRW business plan competition supports the creation of a meaningful business plan that also holds up for investors.

The competition offers sustainable support in the process of company formation, in the post-formation phase and the search for capital. KUER.NRW Best Practice helps young companies in the environmental economy in North Rhine-Westphalia to gain more public awareness.