Bank loans

You can obtain loans from banks or Sparkassen (savings banks). The type of bank and loan you require will depend on how much money you would like to borrow and how long you will need it for.
In your financing plan you’ll have determined your requirements. As a rule, the longer the credit period and the higher the risk is deemed to be, the higher the interest will be. That’s why it’s important to draw up a well thought out business plan to convince the bank of your plans. It is also important that you can demonstrate that you have sufficient equity.
Please note: Make sure to prepare well for the meeting with your bank advisor. Remember to take with you any important documents, which will help you make your case. In Germany, it is common for your bank advisor to discuss not only your qualifications but also your weaknesses. Be open about your entrepreneurial weaknesses and explain how you intend to overcome them. If you are realistic in assessing your strengths and weaknesses, you will come across as more authentic and trustworthy in front of your bank advisor and others.
Before your bank meeting, you might want to turn to an information centre for entrepreneurs.
Information on the internet
Exist – University-based business startups
Find out about available support for technological and knowledge-based startups (German, English)
BMWi Overview no. 14: Applying for loans
What documentation do you need? (English)
BMWi GründerZeiten no. 28: Start-ups: Financing and venture capital
Information on grants, loans, guarantees, equity and expertise (PDF) (English)
BMWi Overview no. 25: Discussions with your bank
Prepare yourself for your discussions with your bank(German, English)
Funding Database
Step by step towards the right funding programme(German)
BMWi GründerZeiten no. 13: Krisenmanagement (crisis management)
How to overcome a crisis The answer is available here(PDF) (German)
BMWi GründerZeiten no. 14: Sicherheiten - Bürgschaften – Rating (securities – guarantees – rating)
Important information on securities and guarantees for obtaining loans (PDF) (German)