Greetings to the FounderNavi 2025/26

How can you successfully start a business in times of global uncertainty? ZDH President Jörg Dittrich discusses opportunities and support for founders.

This article is part of the special feature GründerNavi – for founders and young companies

Dear entrepreneurs, 

Our democracy and economy are under pressure : Global uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, and economic upheavals are shaping our country . The effects of the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, fragile supply chains, and strategic realignments of international trade relations present us with daily challenges. Germany and Europe must assume greater responsibility and deliver swiftly – politically, socially, and economically. Businesses and companies are caught in the middle of all these developments.

Entrepreneurial courage secures Germany's future

In such uncertain times, people like you are all the more important: We need entrepreneurs who not only manage the existing system but also shape the future . Who invest. Who take risks to seize opportunities. Your courage, your commitment, and your ideas are a crucial factor in ensuring that we navigate this modernization and transformation process successfully, both economically and socially . For this, I would like to express my sincere gratitude. Your entrepreneurial spirit and your drive send a significant signal for the future – not only for the skilled trades but for the entire country. It is encouraging that the coalition agreement of the new CDU/CSU-SPD federal government includes important economic policy measures such as the planned comprehensive reduction of unnecessary bureaucracy, targeted investment incentives, comprehensive support and strengthening of vocational training , and a sound skilled worker strategy. If all of this is now implemented, it will create the foundation for new entrepreneurial dynamism and the necessary growth impulses for the German economy.

Digital change as opportunities 

Global changes and technological developments also present new opportunities: A changing world needs businesses that are also changing , willing to respond innovatively and agilely to digitalization, sustainable production methods, and new customer demands. This offers potential for new business ideas and models . At the same time, demographic change creates numerous opportunities for young master craftspeople to become self-employed: Over 125.000 craft businesses will be up for transfer in the next five years. These businesses are not start-ups in the traditional sense, but they offer opportunities – for young master craftspeople as well as for career changers with an entrepreneurial spirit.

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The German Confederation of Skilled Crafts offers comprehensive support to all of you : its staff will guide you through the process of starting your business with practical advice , training courses, and tools, as well as assistance from the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Handwerk (SME Digital Center for Skilled Crafts) on all aspects of digital transformation. Together with the regional chambers of skilled crafts, succession centers, and advisors, we will lead you through the complex process of taking over a business . This nationwide network offers you individual and free consultations that begin exactly where you are in your journey.

Dear readers, today, more than ever, entrepreneurship means taking responsibility, recognizing opportunities, and creating perspectives. Those who start or take over a business in times of multiple crises deserve not only respect, but also the best possible framework – both politically and structurally. This is precisely what we strive for every day, through advocacy, advising the skilled trades organization, and volunteering.

Your

Jörg Dittrich
President of the Central Association of German CraftsWant to read more about GründerNavi?Photo: © VHYou would like to know more about the FounderNavi experience?
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