What nobody tells you about subsidies in Germany

In Germany, subsidies are considered a valuable tool for entrepreneurs. There are grants, loans, consulting services, and competitions—some with five- or even six-figure sums. But the reality is often different than many expect.

In this article, we reveal the truths that hardly anyone tells you—but that you absolutely need to know if you want to take advantage of government support. It doesn't matter whether you're from Germany or want to gain a foothold here as an international entrepreneur.

1. It's not about the best idea – it's about the best “match.”

Many people believe that “if my idea is good, I'll get funding.”But government funding is not a competition for creativity. It follows clear guidelines:

• Who is eligible for funding?

• In which region?

• At what stage (pre-startup, growth, digitalization, etc.)?

• Which target groups or technologies are desired?

It's not how good your idea is that matters – it's whether it fits into an existing program.GRINNO helps you do just that: find the right program for your project.

2. Many funding programs have deadlines – and it's easy to miss them

What many people don't know is that funding applications often have to be submitted before the project starts. Those who act first (e.g., sign a lease, hire employees, or purchase equipment) lose their eligibility for funding.

If you wait until everything is “ready,” it is often too late.

Tip: Let GRINNO check early on whether programs are currently open and what deadlines apply.

3. Bureaucracy remains – even with funding

Yes, funding is a gift. But it's not a sure thing. You often have to:

• Submit project descriptions

• Provide proof of use

• Document interim results

• Communicate with multiple agencies

Funding means responsibility. You should plan for this – especially if you have little time or capacity.

4. You don't have to be an expert – but you do need to understand what's involved

Many founders shy away from technical terms such as “grant notification,” “project sponsor,” or “eligible expenses.” That's understandable – but dangerous.

If you don't know what is eligible for funding, you risk making incorrect assumptions.

GRINNO explains the most important terms in understandable language – automatically, in your language, and tailored to your project.

5. The biggest hurdle is often not the funding – but access to it

Whether it's language barriers, a lack of networks, or uncertainty in dealing with authorities:Many good projects fail not because of the funding itself, but because of the path to getting it.

That's why GRINNO was developed: an AI that shows you what's possible independently, quickly, and anonymously – no appointments, no jargon, no preconceptions.

Conclusion: Funding is worthwhile – but you need the right compass

Funding can help you grow faster, get off to a better start, and minimize risks. But it's not “free money”; it comes with conditions.

And it is precisely these conditions that you need to understand.

GRINNO is your compass in the funding jungle – and gives you an initial assessment in seconds.

Want to know if your project is eligible for funding?

Ask GRINNO your first question – free of charge.