Sächsische Aufbaubank - Förderbank -

Sächsische Aufbaubank - Förderbank - (SAB) is the development bank of the Free State of Saxony and operates as an institution under public law with a mandate to implement the state’s and the EU’s economic, social, and environmental funding policies. It provides grants, subsidised loans, guarantees, and co-financing instruments, often using the house-bank principle in which applications and loan disbursements run through applicants’ commercial banks; many grant programs are handled directly via SAB’s online channels. Funding priorities typically include SME investment and working capital, start-up and innovation support, digitalisation, energy efficiency and renewables, housing construction and renovation, urban and regional development, infrastructure for municipalities, education and research projects, culture and social services, and selected agriculture and rural measures. Refinancing and budgets are drawn from the Saxon state, EU structural funds (e.g., ERDF and ESF), and cooperation with national and European promotional institutions; it is not a retail bank and does not offer current accounts or consumer deposit products. Eligibility generally requires a clear nexus to Saxony and compliance with state aid rules, with terms, interest rates, and conditions varying by program and subject to change when funding tranches are exhausted or policy frameworks shift. Applications typically require business plans or project descriptions, financial statements, cost estimates, collateral where applicable, and adherence to reporting and audit obligations; breaches can lead to repayment or clawback. Processing times depend on program complexity and demand. Oversight is exercised by the state, and programs may be opened, paused, or adjusted according to budget cycles. SAB is suitable for entities seeking targeted promotional financing within Saxony; it is not a substitute for everyday banking, and applicants should review current program guidelines and consult their house bank where required.