The European economy is facing significant challenges, including the need to develop resilient supply chains, navigate partial declines in production and trade, and address cross-industry decarbonisation pressures. To address these issues, federal ministries and the EU Commission are offering funding to provide targeted support to affected stakeholders. In particular, projects that contribute to climate and environmental protection, sustainability, or closed value chains are being funded. In the future, these grants/funding will be a significant component of financing for industrial companies that implement climate and sustainability measures early on within a sustainable overall financing plan (green finance).
Subsidies improve economic efficiency
Subsidies can make a significant contribution to improving the profitability of your investments and creating additional financial leeway for your company. Take advantage of the billions of euros that the EU and the German government make available every year to promote sustainability in industry. Through a holistic and systematic approach, we will optimise the funding acquisition process for you.
Seize opportunities, reduce risks
Our hybrid team combines consultants with technical, commercial, tax and legal expertise to provide a holistic service without interface losses.
We approach your project with a focus on the end goals, providing support throughout the implementation process to ensure we monitor funding-related risks and avoid any potential recourse claims.
Dr. Lars Richter Partner, Förderberatung, PwC Germany
lars.a.richter@pwc.com Tel.: +49 175 9949036
"Integrating ESG criteria into corporate practices can enhance a company's sustainability and ethical behaviour while also unlocking access to various funding and financial support. Key considerations include potential analysis, application processes, and effective funding management.“
Funding potential analysis
A comprehensive funding potential analysis helps companies to identify suitable funding programmes and then to apply for funding strategically and successfully. By taking a systematic approach, companies can maximise their opportunities and benefit from financial support to achieve ESG goals and other strategic projects. The main steps of such an analysis are as follows:
Funding Quick Check
- Structuring of your investments with regard to relevant subsidies and analysis of subsidy potential, identification of subsidy-relevant projects and initial assessment of chances of success.
Transformation concepts/climate neutrality plan
- Development of holistic concepts for the transformation/decarbonisation of individual sites or the entire company, including the development of a specific set of measures and an implementation plan
Funding roadmap
- Development of a customised funding roadmap for the systematic acquisition of funding for your projects, needs analysis and target setting, creation of a holistic financing concept (green finance).
Application submission
A successful application for funding requires careful planning and preparation. Here are the steps for making an effective application:
Application strategy
- Recommendations for the selection of the most suitable funding programme(s) that can be cumulated or combined, as well as the structuring or design of the project to optimise the funding.
Application documents
Preparation of all application documents in accordance with funding requirements, including technical (e.g. CO2 savings) and economic (e.g. profitability gaps) calculations.
Communication
- Correspondence with the funding agency and answering the experts' questions regarding content
With a systematic approach and the help of experts, you can maximise your chances of a successful application and implement your project successfully.
Funding management
Managing funding throughout the life of a project is crucial to ensure that approved funds are utilised appropriately and that all requirements set by funding bodies are met.
Notification and reporting requirements
- Support in complying with all conditions and notification and reporting requirements (e.g. interim reports, changes to the project or its duration) during the project.
Fund withdrawals and usage reports
- Support in withdrawing approved funds and in demonstrating their appropriate use
Knowledge building and management
- Knowledge management and audit-proof documentation of your projects
Professional funding management is crucial to the ultimate success of subsidised projects. Careful planning, close budget monitoring, transparent communication and proactive risk management can help ensure that funds are used effectively and that all funding conditions are met. This not only contributes to the success of the project, but also strengthens the credibility and chances for future funding.
Companies can apply for a variety of funding to support their sustainable development.
Whether from the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) or the Bundesamt für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle (BAFA) – there are many funding programmes geared towards sustainability goals. These programmes offer companies with high energy consumption more than just the opportunity to receive short-term financial support for environmentally friendly behaviour. They also enable companies to implement their sustainability plan faster and more efficiently, creating long-term competitive advantages.
Your contact
Dr. Lars Richter
Partner, Förderberatung, PwC Germany
lars.a.richter@pwc.com Tel.: +49 175 9949036
Raik Uhlmann Partner, Förderberatung, PwC Germany
raik.uhlmann@pwc.com Tel.: +49 170 4514644
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