Trade: Focus on innovation

Founders of the trade live the trade tradition and develop the business of the future from it. With innovative products and processes, they strengthen the “economic power next door”. There are special support instruments for this.

There are a variety of funding initiatives available to many tradespeople in North Rhine-Westphalia, which helps them to start their own business. In addition to financial aid, advice is offered on various areas of independent corporate management.

The North Rhine-Westphalia starter centres at the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts are the main point of contact for founders from the craft sector. They are part of the start-up landscape in North Rhine-Westphalia and rethink the craft without losing sight of tradition and standards. Thus, start-ups and craft do not contradict each other.

Crafts businesses and start-ups are also advised by the federal and state-sponsored business advice centres at the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts and start-ups on all issues relating to corporate management, strategic development and the ability to innovate to adapt to changing competitive conditions.

Funding for the founding of foremen and women

There are also very specific financial support offers, above all the Master Craftswoman/Craftsman Start-up Bonus (MGP): North Rhine-Westphalia offers an investment grant of up to 10,500 euros under certain conditions for master craftsmen and women who are setting up a business for the first time, taking over a business or taking a majority stake in a craft enterprise. Additional information about MGP is available here.

In principle, the tradespeople can also take advantage of general support and funding offers.

More information can be found here on founding a company in the form of corporate succession.