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Guideline for the Promotion of Microenterprises in Rural Areas (KU-RL M-V)
With the Guideline for the Promotion of Microenterprises in Rural Areas (KU-RL M-V), the Ministry for Climate Protection, Agriculture, Rural Areas, and the Environment of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is launching the new funding period of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD III).
What does the funding guideline for microenterprises cover?
The aim of the funding is to strengthen the economic infrastructure in rural regions and to ensure the long-term provision of local services – for example, through craft businesses, village pubs, or other small-scale commercial services. Eligible for funding are non-agricultural enterprises with fewer than ten employees and an annual turnover of no more than two million euros.
Minister of Agriculture Dr. Till Backhaus explains:
“Our villages thrive thanks to committed entrepreneurs who contribute to local quality of life with courage and creativity. With the new funding, we specifically support their investments and start-up projects.”
Grants are provided for investments in tangible assets – for example, machinery, equipment, or furnishings – as well as accompanying planning and consulting services, provided they are related to the investment project. The funding rate is 35% of eligible expenses. The funding is provided under the EU de minimis regulation (max. €300,000 within three years).
Important requirements:
- The business premises must be located in a rural area (outside large and medium-sized towns).
- The majority of the company’s sales must take place within a radius of 50 km.
Who can receive funding?
According to the regulation, recipients of funding are independent microenterprises:
- with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover or annual balance sheet total of less than €2 million, in line with Annex I of Regulation (EU) 651/2014 defining a microenterprise;
- in the manufacturing sector, with the exception of agricultural enterprises within the meaning of section 3.1 of the Guideline for the Granting of Aid for Investments in Agricultural Production under the Agricultural Investment Promotion Programme;
- in the crafts sector listed in Annexes A and B of the Crafts Code;
- in the services sector, particularly in services of general interest;
- in the tourism sector to increase the tourist appeal of rural areas;
- in retail trade of everyday goods, with a sales area of less than 400 square metres, as well as mobile sales units, provided they are not already receiving funding under the Guideline for the Granting of Aid for Integrated Rural Development.
Restricted eligibility:
- Microenterprises in the tourism sector – a grant may only be awarded if no expansion of bed capacity is planned.
- Microenterprises operated as a sideline – a grant will only be awarded if the applicant undertakes to switch to full-time operation within two years of the funding being approved.
How to apply
Applications can be submitted online at any time since the entry into force on 11 August. The digital application process and further information can be found here.
For questions about funding and applications, contact the State Office for Agriculture and Environment West Mecklenburg at:
- Tel. +49 385 588-66 270 (Mr. Rentz)
- Tel. +49 385 588-66 275 (Ms. Böther)
The Chambers of Crafts and the Chambers of Industry and Commerce in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern also offer practical support for business development and application submission.
