Düsseldorf announcement: NRW to provide swift financial assistance for businesses facing substantial increases in energy expenses
The state program "Hardship Assistance for SMEs - Energy" is set to commence on March 21, 2023, offering financial aid to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) struggling with significant energy cost increases. The program is a joint initiative between the federal and state governments, with a total of 100 million euros in state funds and around 200 million euros from the federal government available for hardship assistance.
Minister of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy, Mona Neubaur, has stated that the program complements federal measures and incentivizes energy savings. The NRW.BANK, the state's promotional bank, will handle the review and approval of applications.
Applications for stage 1 can be submitted from March 21, and further information can be found on the designated website. Affected businesses can find information on the NRW.BANK website and clarify detailed questions.
In the first stage of the program, SMEs that experienced a fourfold increase in electricity, grid-bound natural gas, and heat costs in 2022 can apply for a grant equivalent to one month's worth of costs for that year. The program aims to support businesses, even though energy prices have fallen significantly in recent weeks.
The program also benefits businesses using oil, wood pellets, or other non-grid-bound energy carriers. The specifics of the aids in stages two and three will be further detailed at a later date. The states have secured in negotiations with the federal government that the program will continue into stages two and three.
To find the eligibility criteria and application process for this program, you might need to consult official government sources or local business support portals in North Rhine-Westphalia. Reach out to local business associations or chambers of commerce for advice, as they often have resources and expertise in navigating government support programs. Agencies responsible for economic development and energy policy in North Rhine-Westphalia might provide detailed information on available assistance programs for SMEs.
A hardship commission has been set up in the state to assess individual hardship cases, involving chambers of industry and commerce, chambers of crafts, and the association of freelance professions. For specific details, contacting local authorities directly or visiting their official websites is likely the best approach.
The Minister of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection, and Energy has stated that the program complements federal measures and incentivizes energy savings, suggesting a collaboration between the industry and finance sectors to support businesses. The NRW.BANK, a promotional bank in the state, will review and approve applications for financial aid from SMEs struggling with significant energy cost increases, demonstrating the intertwining of business and finance in this initiative.
