IBB MikroCrowd
Micro-loans and crowdfunding for start-ups and SMEs in Berlin
Under the 'IBB MikroCrowd' programme, we provide low-interest micro-loans of up to EUR 25,000. By combining crowdfunding through our co-operation partner Startnext, your project will be assessed in advance with a view to its market relevance. If the funding goal is achieved, this means security for both you and us.
'IBB MikroCrowd' at a glance
-
Combination of micro-loans and crowdfunding
-
IBB microloan: up to EUR 25,000 and one year redemption free
-
Crowdfunding: Additional financing via Startnext
-
Advance check on the market: Target group tests your idea!


'IBB MikroCrowd' in detail
Who is eligible for support?
- Founders of small or medium-sized commercial businesses (SMEs)
- Founders of freelance businesses
- Commercial or freelance enterprises
who are opening or already have an operating facility in Berlin.
What is supported?
Co-financing for investments and the related working capital as part of the following measures:
- Start-ups and consolidation projects
- Expansion projects
- Implementation of new projects or products and their marketing
The project to be financed must be carried out at a Berlin-based operating facility.
What is not eligible for support?
- Re-financing or follow-up financing of projects that have already begun or have been completed
- Restructuring financing
What kind of support is available?
IBB can grant for eligible projects low-interest microloans of up to EUR 25,000 from the 'KMU-Fonds' co-financed by the ERDF of the European Union.
By combining this with crowdfunding, additional supporters can be gained for financing and feedback can be gathered from potential customers regarding market acceptance.
Terms and conditions
- The latest interest rates can be found in the Overview of terms and conditions (german only).
- Loans are usually limited to a term of 6 years, including one year redemption free.
- No handling fees or standby interest charged.
- Repayments are generally made on a quarterly basis.
- Curation on Startnext is free of charge.
- Voluntary commission for Startnext and fixed transaction fees for their payment processing when the funding target is reached
How to apply
- Applications must be submitted prior to commencing the project (e.g. first binding contract, conclusion of a purchase agreement, commencement of the innovation project, etc.) because debt re-scheduling and refinancing are not possible.
- Please use our Application form (german only) which also contains a list of all the documents that must be submitted. If your application does not contain the fully completed and signed application form, the fully completed and signed voluntary disclosure form and your CV, we will return your application without any further examination for formal reasons.
- Alternatively, you can also submit your application online at www.ibb.de/kundenportal.
Please note: Applications are accepted in German only.
Which additional documents have to be submitted?
- In the case of existing companies and company takeovers, it is essential that the application also contain the latest commercial analysis or the monthly result statement and, if applicable, the annual accounts or income statements for the past two years, along with information on tax matters.
- When it comes to financing for start-ups, questions will be asked regarding the measures planned to achieve turnover as well as success factors, such as letters of intent, first orders, co-operations concluded. In as far as available, your annual accounts, as well as the latest company figures, will be used to examine your application and to assess future capital service capability.
- Once your application is received, you will be sent confirmation of receipt. As soon as all the documents are complete, they will be examined.
- If your project is considered to have good prospects for success, we will usually invite you to come to IBB for a meeting. After the meeting, you will be notified of the provisional loan decision within a few working days.
- When you apply with your project, also apply for crowdfunding curated by IBB using the online form on the Startnext Partner Page 'IBB MikroCrowd'. Curation is carried out by IBB when provisional loan approval has been issued. In addition, the requirement criteria must be fulfilled in accordance with the terms of use for the crowdfunding platform (examination by Startnext).
- After successful funding (when the funding threshold is reached), you will receive a loan agreement from Investitionsbank Berlin. With proof of fulfilment of the requirements (receipt of crowdfunding funds), payment will be initiated.
Other important details
How can I apply with a project?
Project applications are submitted using the online form on the Startnext Partner Page 'IBB MikroCrowd'. After this, you will then be forwarded to Investitionsbank Berlin to apply for a micro-loan from the SME fund.
Which financing target makes sense for my project?
When it comes to crowdfunding, it is important to choose a realistic funding target, stating the required budget. Crowdfunding should amount to at least EUR 5,000 and come from at least 20 supporters.
How is curation decided?
Curation by IBB is carried out after a positive application review (usually with a personal interview) and provisional loan approval. In addition, the requirement criteria must be fulfilled in accordance with the terms of use (examination by Startnext). IBB may terminate curation at any time if there is an important reason for doing so.
Can I also apply for a micro-loan without crowdfunding?
Yes, you can use our business development programme 'Mikrokredit aus dem KMU-Fonds' .
What awaits me in the personal interview?
In addition to providing proof of your expertise, you should also demonstrate the personal skills required of an entrepreneur and show how the start-up or your growth project has been carefully prepared.
Are start-up consulting or coaching required?
Consulting and coaching are not mandatory. However, extensive preparation for a business start-up, e.g. by participating in the business plan competition or attending seminars by Berlin’s start-up consulting and micro-finance institutions, are viewed favourably in the loan approval process. Coaching support of at least 6 months (proof required) in the context of a coaching programme during the preparation and implementation of your project is also viewed favourably in the loan approval process.
What needs to be considered if negative indicators exist regarding the founder, shareholder or company?
As long as there are negative 'Schufa' entries not removed, tax debts payable, judicial dunning proceedings, the making of an affidavit due to payment arrears, ongoing company insolvency or private insolvency proceedings concerning the shareholder or company, financing will generally be rejected.
How is the loan repaid and can the loan also be repaid prematurely?
Repayment is effected in quarterly instalments. In the event of premature repayment of the loan, the borrower will be charged a prepayment penalty.
What happens if I am in arrears with my payments or have to file for bankruptcy?
A default in payment leads to interest on arrears in accordance with the contract, possibly also to notice of termination and possibly to a recourse to collateral. Insolvency leads to extraordinary termination and, if necessary, liquidation of collateral.
What should be borne in mind in the event of a change in the way funds are used?
The contractual use of the loan and the fulfilment of any conditions are monitored by the loan administrator ('KMU-Fonds' at Investitionsbank Berlin). If the contents or composition of the purpose of financing changes, the loan administrator must be informed.
If the costs of individual main items of the investment plan decrease substantially (more than 20% of the financed project), the funds saved can be used to cover the increased costs of other items subject to prior consent of the loan administrator ('KMU-Fonds' at IBB).
The loan administrator is entitled to reduce the amount of the loan on a pro-rata basis if the volume of total expenditure estimated in the investment plan is reduced or the share of other financing increases.
Do you wish to combine support programmes?
This programme can be combined with other business development programmes.