(Editor: Leona) imm cologne reported that smaller companies will now be able to present their new ideas to a large and international audience, thanks to the sponsorship of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi). imm cologne has been selected once more for inclusion in the pool of eligible trade fairs for the coming year. Koelnmesse provides effective support to these creative companies with a range of services to help them write their own success stories at the international furnishing trade fair for in January 2015.

Young companies are characterised by their innovative ideas and products but are often unable to present their innovations to a larger public for financial reasons. In order to provide support and sponsorship to such companies in particular, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) decides anew each year at which leading trade fairs they will partially sponsor a participation in a joint stand. In 2015, imm cologne has the honour of being selected once more as one of the eligible fair platforms.

“We are delighted that imm cologne 2015 has once more been selected as one of the eligible trade fairs,” says Uwe Deitersen, imm cologne‘s Project Manager. “Almost the entire international furnishing sector is represented in Cologne and one could say that to some extent, imm cologne launches the new business year in furnishing. Thanks to the support of the BMWi, younger, up-and-coming companies are increasingly exhibiting alongside the bigger players, a development which really enhances the scope of the fair.”

The BMWi’s conditions stipulate that only companies which are based in Germany and which meet the applicable EU criteria of a “small business” are eligible for sponsorship. This means that companies must have fewer than 50 employees, a yearly turnover of no more than 10 million Euro and be no older than ten years. In order to receive sponsorship, companies must have either developed from scratch or significantly improved products, processes and services and introduced them to market. If the company meets all these conditions, they will, upon approval by the BMWi, be reimbursed 70% of costs, e.g. for stand rental, stand construction, electricity and waste disposal. The upper limit for expenditure eligible for sponsorship per participant is 7,500.00 Euro.

Koelnmesse is also actively supporting the participants so that the sponsored fair participation runs smoothly and successfully. Among other activities, Koelnmesse will advertise and promote the “Young and innovative companies” joint stand, provide an attractive location for the stand in Hall 5.1 directly on the Boulevard and take care of stand construction and the design of an accompanying lounge area.