Funding advice for companies and startups

Financing is an important consideration when planning your expansion or startup. We can advise you on funding issues, give you an overview of the various public funding opportunities and work with you to identify your company's individual funding needs. Our support includes:

  • Free advice from our funding experts
  • Assessment: Which subsidies are suitable for your business?
  • Our own KölnBusiness funding programmes and incentives
  • Information on public funding opportunities and special programmes, especially in the areas of innovation, digitalisation, sustainability and start-ups
  • Networking with the respective funding institutions

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Soft Landing Programme

funding provisions for international settlement

KölnBusiness has launched the Cologne Soft Landing Programme to support the expansion of international startups and companies to Cologne. The programme accepts applications from international startups and companies. Commercial rental costs, consultation fees, material costs and staffing costs can be funded. A maximum of 3,000 euros is awarded to each successful startup or company. 

The application deadline is the 1st of December 2025.

Learn more

Scaleup Program Cologne

To support young Cologne-based companies in their international expansion, KölnBusiness has developed the Scaleup Program Cologne in cooperation with nlmtd. In the Scaleup Program Cologne, young entrepreneurs learn together with other founders how they can best expand their company internationally.
 

The application deadline is the 5th of September 2023.

 

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STARTUPLAND 2025

5 November 2025 – 10am to 6pm

Place: RheinEnergieSTADION Cologne 

Important Note:The following call for applications is open to international Startups only. 

STARTUPLAND is the conference that brings Startups, investors, corporates, and the ecosystem together. It will take place at the RheinEnergieSTADION in Cologne on 5 November. STARTUPLAND offers the opportunity to connect with the local ecosystem and has as common goal of fostering innovation, networking, and collaboration. 

The conference will focus on artificial intelligence and digital transformation. Application for a booth and two tickets for STARTUPLAND for international Startups We at KölnBusiness want to offer international Startups a booth at the startup and digital conference, as well as two tickets to be part of STARTUPLAND in Cologne. If you want to be part of STARTUPLAND, you can apply until 14 September 2025. Requirements for applying: · The Startup must be registered in a country other than Germany. 

  • Your Startup is planning to expand to Germany.
  • You already have a viable service, functional product or prototype.
  • The startup must be in sound financial condition. This is the case if it generates regular sales and employs permanent staff, for example.
  • The startup must attend a consultation appointment with the KölnBusiness Team. 

Do you meet the requirements? 

Then 1) fill out the form, 2) send a pitch deck to international@koeln.business, and 3) schedule a consultation call with the KölnBusiness Team. 

Please use the following subject line in your email: "Application Startupland 2025". Please note that only applications with a completed form, pitch deck, and a consultation with the KölnBusiness Team will be considered for selection!

  • Download Information PDF | 3 MB

Application Form

 

The deadline for applications is 14 September 2025. The selected startups will be notified by 30 September 2025. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the International Desk Team at KölnBusiness Wirtschaftsförderung at international@koeln.business