The funds are meant for young knowledge businesses in sustainable food production, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture or reduced food waste. Photo Shutterstock Innovative start-ups wanting to make the food chain more sustainable are once again able to apply for a loan from Startlife. The loans range from 75.000 to 250.000 euros per business. The money has been made available by a new fund, Startup Fund Gelderland.
The funding is meant for young knowledge businesses in sustainable food production, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions, reduced food waste or the development of meat substitutes. All Startlife loans are accompanied by professional coaching and support. Moreover, the start-ups will gain access to the knowledge and experience of leading businesses and investors. The start-ups must be located in Gelderland.
Loans
Gelderland province finances the fund, which is managed by development agency Oost. It is a 6 million revolving fund, which means that loans that are paid back are made available for new start-ups. Previously, Startlife awarded some 8 million euros in loans to budding businesses through similar funds. The loans often serve as a springboard towards additional funding by private investors. Startlife director Jan Meiling states that the start-ups supported by Startlife have, so far, collected 230 million euros in funding on the market.
