New ideas for a vibrant Wolfsburg city center
Financial support for start-ups in the city center
The new offer builds on the positive experiences from Fallersleben and Vorsfelde. Businesses there have also already been successfully supported as part of the Sustainable Town Centers and Centres funding program.
Tailwind for new ideas
"Our city center is facing major challenges - particularly due to structural changes in the retail sector. With the planned guideline, we want to provide new impetus, support innovative ideas and further develop the city centre as a lively and attractive place to work and spend time," emphasizes Lord Mayor Dennis Weilmann.
We also want to break new ground economically with the funding. Two central concepts adopted by the city council form the basis for this: the future concept for science and the city center roadmap.
Rent subsidies and more
Among other things, the planned funding program provides for rent subsidies of up to 1,250 euros per month for a period of twelve months. In addition, audience-oriented offers are also to be supported in marketing and store fitting.
Start-ups, innovative retail concepts and spin-offs from research institutions - such as Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences, 42 Wolfsburg, the Fraunhofer Project Center or the Medical Campus - are eligible for funding. The funding area includes the city center and adjacent districts such as the Handwerkerviertel.
Application from 2026
A total of up to 150,000 euros will be made available for the years 2026 and 2027. Applications will be possible from January 2026 via Wolfsburg Wirtschaft und Marketing GmbH (WMG) - subject to the council's decision in December.
"With the funding guideline, we are drawing on the conceptual strategic framework and practical experience from similar programs in Fallersleben and Vorsfelde in order to gradually realign our start-up ecosystem. We are creating targeted new incentives for technology-oriented start-ups and strengthening Wolfsburg as a future location for innovation, research and entrepreneurial growth," says City Councillor Jens Hofschröer, responsible for business and digitalization.