Navigating the Lengthy Grant Application Process for Start-ups in Hamburg
Investors in Hamburg should tolerate lengthy submission processes for funding requests by start-up founders. - Imperative for Perseverance in Hamburg
Dealing with the Hamburgische Investitions- und Förderbank (IFB Hamburg) can be a test of patience for start-up founders, with approval times for some funding programs stretching over half a year. As Julian Herrmann, the CDU's spokesperson for start-ups and innovation, pointed out to the German Press Agency, technologically innovative start-ups usually wait around 174 days, or about 6 months, for the InnoRampUp funding program. Other funding programs, according to a response from the red-green Senate to a minor inquiry, have an approval period ranging from 129 to 166 days.
"This is quite a hurdle for founders in Hamburg, especially in the early stages," Herrmann highlighted. For comparison, the federal Exist funding program typically provides final feedback within two months, with funding starting within three months. "The IFB funding programs in Hamburg all seem to take longer, with RampUp taking nearly twice as long!" The program offers up to €150,000 in grants.
The reason for the extended waiting periods lies in the multi-step application process. This includes presenting a short pitch at IFB Innovationsstarter GmbH and attending a selection committee meeting. Founders often need to significantly develop their start-up before it can be funded.
The processing time for grant applications can be influenced by factors such as the founders' availability, their speed in providing additional information or making required improvements to their start-up, and the quality and completeness of the information they provide.
On the brighter side, rejection notices are processed more promptly. Typically, it takes between 28 and 56 days to reject applications for the four funding programs between January 1, 2023, and May 31, 2025.
To get a more precise understanding of the grant application process and timelines for start-ups, it is advisable to reach out to IFB Hamburg directly. Relevant information for various funding programs in Hamburg may also be found in other initiatives, such as the AI Ideation Programme run by AI.STARTUP.HUB in Hamburg, but the processing time for grant applications is usually not detailed. Understanding the specifics of the process is crucial for founders looking to secure funding in Hamburg.
Founders hoping to secure vocational training and business growth through the IFB Hamburg's funding programs might face extended processing times, as the application process involves various steps and approvals that could take up to 6 months for some programs, like the InnoRampUp, which offers up to €150,000 in grants. On the other hand, brush up on community policy and technology advancements during this period, as rejection notices are typically processed within 28 to 56 days.
