Schwerin (dpa/mv) - In order to alleviate the burden on companies, the self-employed and freelancers due to the energy crisis, the state government wants to provide loans. "So far, the federal government has focused its support measures primarily on the high energy and heating costs. We want to provide support where there is still too little help for the economy," said Economics Minister Reinhard Meyer (SPD) on Friday in Schwerin. 10 million euros are to be reserved for this in the state's hardship fund.
According to the information, loans are granted from 10,000 euros, the upper limit is a maximum of half of the average annual turnover. "These can be used flexibly for operating resources or investments. At the company's request, a grace period of up to 12 months can be granted," says Meyer.
Aid is especially intended for those who are affected by the high prices of materials and raw materials. In addition, according to the ministry, problems in the supply chains and the resulting liquidity bottlenecks are among the hardship cases that the state government wants to address. The state's energy fund, worth a total of 1.1 billion euros, is intended to close gaps in the federal government's aid programs.
The President of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Rostock, Klaus-Jürgen Strupp, had already called for more details on company aid on Thursday and warned: "The use of the funds must be unbureaucratic and be possible quickly".
