Go to Market Voucher: Opportunities for start-ups and how to develop digital prototypes efficiently
What is the Go to Market voucher?
The Go to Market voucher is a funding program the state government of North Rhine-Westphalia, which aims to make it easier for young companies to enter the market. It is aimed at start-ups in the early stages that do not yet have a regular turnover and need support in developing digital prototypes. The voucher offers up to 35,000 euros to cover costs for external services, licenses and intermediate products.
For many start-ups, this is a crucial opportunity to realize their ideas faster and enter the market early. The voucher not only offers financial support, but also access to coaching and mentoringwho provide valuable feedback and expertise for the success of a product.
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The Path to Product-Market Fit
A common goal in the development of a prototype is the so-called Product-Market FitThis means that the product is so well tailored to the needs of the market that it excites the target group and generates high demand. Without this fit, it is often difficult to build a sustainable and successful company.
This shows the added value of the Go to Market voucher: By supporting the development of a prototype start-ups are enabled to react to market feedback at an early stage and to improve their products in a targeted manner. But to do this effectively, structured processes are needed.
The Design Sprint: Fast and Efficient Prototype Development
A particularly effective process for developing prototypes and checking product-market fit is the Design Sprint. This process, originally developed by Google Ventures, was designed to transform an idea into a functional prototype within a few days that can be tested with real users. The advantage of the Design Sprint is that it increases both the speed and quality of development while obtaining direct feedback from users.
The process of the design sprint
- Understand: The team analyzes the problem the prototype is intended to solve and develops a deep understanding of the needs of the target group.
- Sketch: Possible solutions are worked out in the form of sketches and ideas.
- Decide: In this phase, the best ideas are selected and further developed.
- Prototyping: A simple, functional prototype is created that shows the key features of the product.
- Testing: The prototype is tested with real users and their feedback is directly incorporated into further development.
With the Design Sprint 2.0 This process has been further improved and accelerated. The focus here is on the rapid exchange of ideas, which allows start-ups to develop a marketable product even more quickly.
Why the Design Sprint is ideal for the Go to Market funding program
The Go to Market funding program This is exactly where it comes in: It supports start-ups in quickly turning their ideas into prototypes that can be immediately tested on the market. The design sprint offers the perfect basis for driving this development forward efficiently and in a results-oriented manner. Here are some reasons why this co-creative work process is ideal for prototype development within the framework of the funding program:
- Time savings: Start-ups need to deliver results in the shortest possible time. The design sprint makes it possible to go from an idea to a tested prototype within a few days.
- Minimizing the risk: By involving users at an early stage and testing ideas quickly, risks can be minimized and expensive mistakes can be avoided.
- Optimal use of the funding: The structured process of the design sprint ensures that the available resources are used in a targeted and efficient manner to achieve maximum results.
- Quick feedback: Through the sprint process, start-ups receive direct feedback from users, which they can incorporate into the further development of their product.
How to use the Go to Market voucher efficiently
To unlock the full potential of Go to Market voucher it is crucial to use the funding in a structured and targeted manner. The following steps will help:
- Develop a strategy: Before applying for the voucher, it is important to develop a clear strategy. What goals should be achieved? What problems does the product solve?
- Establish processes: Structured processes such as the Design Sprint help to make prototype development efficient. Feedback from the target group should always be incorporated into the process.
- Use external expertise: The funding program requires the involvement of external service providers and consultants. Use this consulting offer to bring additional expertise to your project and learn from experienced mentors.
- Get user feedback: The go-to-market voucher should be used not only for technical development but also for market research. By testing your prototype with users early on, you can ensure that the product meets market requirements.
Conclusion: The Go to Market voucher as a success factor for start-ups
The Go to Market voucher is an excellent opportunity for start-ups to quickly and efficiently develop digital prototypes and test them on the market. Through the targeted use of processes like the Design Sprint or other rapid prototyping methods, companies can ensure that their ideas are not only technically feasible, but also meet the needs of their target group.
By enabling start-ups to Product-Market Fit By testing early and optimizing their products based on real user feedback, they significantly increase their chances of success. The design sprint offers an optimal framework for achieving results quickly and efficiently and exploiting the full potential of the go-to-market voucher.
For start-ups in North Rhine-Westphalia, this funding program a unique opportunity to realize their ideas with financial support and at the same time benefit from experienced mentors and coaching. The path to market entry is thus made significantly easier - and the risk is significantly minimized through targeted testing and rapid iterations.
FAQ Go-To-Market Voucher
Here are some questions and answers about the Go-To-Market voucher. (Source: Innovation Promotion Agency NRW)
Who can receive funding?
Micro-enterprises that meet the following requirements are eligible for funding:
• Company headquarters in North Rhine-Westphalia.
• No profit distributions.
• No takeover of another business unless the turnover of the acquired activity is less than 101% of the previous year's turnover.
Are there any restrictions on the form of company?
The funding is aimed at micro-enterprises as defined by the EU Commission: companies with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover or annual balance sheet total of no more than EUR 2 million.
Are start-ups eligible for funding if they have not yet distributed any profits?
Yes, as long as no profits have been distributed up to the time of application. Distributions to shareholders are referred to differently depending on the type of company (dividends for AGs, profit distributions for GmbHs, withdrawals for OHGs or sole proprietors).
Can non-profit organizations receive funding?
Yes, non-profit companies can receive funding if, in addition to being non-profit, they also operate in an economically sustainable manner and meet the other funding requirements. According to the tax code, profits can be made, but these must be used entirely for non-profit purposes and may not be distributed to the founders.
Can clubs receive funding?
Associations can receive funding if they are registered in the commercial register or if such registration is planned because their business operations reach the scope of a commercial enterprise.
Can agricultural businesses be supported?
Enterprises in fishing, aquaculture, primary agricultural production and the processing and marketing of agricultural products are excluded from funding.
What is considered “innovative” within the meaning of the directive?
Innovations include the development of prototypes for digital business models, products, services or production processes that are new or significantly improved and offer clear customer benefits and a unique selling point.
How do I apply for funding?
Applications are submitted either via the EFRE.NRW online portal or in writing using an application form. The responsible approval authority is the Innovation Promotion Agency NRW in Jülich. Applications must be submitted by 31 October 2026 at the latest, subject to available budget funds. We are happy to help you – contact us.
When does the funding start?
The funding begins and ends with the implementation period specified in the grant decision.
How long is the voucher valid and by when do I have to settle my transaction?
The voucher is valid for the entire approval period. The services must be billed within this period.
How often must requests for funds be submitted?
A request for funds should be submitted at least once per calendar half-year, but more frequent submissions are also possible.
Does a separate request for funds have to be made for each service?
No, when requesting funds, all eligible expenses should be summarized. Use the relevant receipt list for this purpose.
What reporting obligations are there?
A final factual report in the proof of use is sufficient. Annual factual reports during the project period are not required.
Which expenses are eligible?
Project-related external services within the framework of prototype development are eligible for funding up to 50,000 euros. The funding rate is 70%, up to a maximum of 35,000 euros. The minimum grant is 15,000 euros.
Which coaching and consultations can be billed?
Coaching and consulting services are eligible for funding up to an amount of 5,000 euros. The funding covers a maximum of 3,500 euros of the costs.
Who can be a coach or mentor?
Coaches must have experience in start-up coaching and demonstrate at least four competencies, such as product definition, business model development or support in negotiations. Mentors should have a network of established companies and support start-ups in customer acquisition.
When does the coaching or mentoring begin?
The collaboration between the start-up and the coach or mentor is agreed on an individual basis. A binding appointment must take place at least once per quarter.
What needs to be considered when working with coaches or mentors?
Start-ups are obliged to work closely with coaches and mentors as well as the approval authority. Changes, such as the appointment of a new coach or mentor, must be approved in advance.
What tasks do coaches and mentors have?
Coaches support the start-up in developing companies, products and business models. They also help to make the start-up investment-ready and to establish contacts with potential investors. Mentors share their industry knowledge and provide support with market access issues such as sales and marketing.
What happens if a coach or mentor is unavailable?
A temporary absence is not a problem as long as the care plan is adhered to. In the case of longer absences of more than three months, a replacement must be found.
Can the funding be suspended and continued later?
Funding cannot be interrupted. However, it is possible to postpone the implementation period before funding begins.
Can other funding be applied for during the funding period?
Funding the same expenses from multiple programs is not permitted. However, a combination with the Gründerstipendium.NRW is possible.
What happens if the start-up moves during the funding period?
A move must be reported to the granting authority immediately. If you move to another federal state or abroad, the funding criteria are no longer met and the funding will be reclaimed retroactively.
