NRW increases the master craftsman start-up bonus

Since the beginning of the year, a new maximum subsidy for the master craftsman start-up bonus has been in effect in North Rhine-Westphalia. Instead of €10.500, the maximum amount is now €11.500. There are also other changes.

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

The state government of North Rhine-Westphalia is expanding its funding for business start-ups and takeovers in the skilled trades. This aims to secure the long-term viability of skilled trades businesses in North Rhine-Westphalia and increase the number of new start-ups. Since the beginning of the year, the maximum funding amount under the Master Craftsman Start-up Bonus has increased to €11.500 from the previous €10.500.

The state grants an additional bonus of €2.000 for taking over an existing business . Female master craftspeople receive a bonus of €2.500 if they establish a trade in which women are still significantly underrepresented . This includes, for example, bricklayers, roofers, or plumbers. A single grant can thus amount to up to €16.000.

Better support conditions for women and families

The country is also improving funding conditions for women and families : deadlines for accessing funds and providing evidence upon the birth of a child can now be extended by up to three months and by up to twelve months during the receipt of parental allowance.

The funding will also be extended to founders whose foreign-acquired professional qualifications have been fully recognized as equivalent by the relevant Chamber of Skilled Crafts . The granting of the master craftsman start-up bonus remains contingent upon business start-up consultation with the relevant Chamber of Skilled Crafts and the creation or safeguarding of jobs or apprenticeships.

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 investment in the future

"We want to encourage master craftspeople to put their creative ideas and concepts into practice – whether by starting or taking over a business. We especially want to make it easier for women to become self-employed in the skilled trades, because their potential is key to the future ," says Minister of Economic Affairs Mona Neubaur (Greens).

Every investment in startups is an investment in the future , adds Berthold Schröder , President of the West German Association of Chambers of Skilled Crafts . "They give important impetus to the economy, create jobs and apprenticeships, and also assume social responsibility."

Appreciation for master craftsmen

The skilled trades sector welcomes the adjustment to the master craftsman start-up bonus. It provides important incentives for self-employment in the skilled trades and particularly encourages women to start their own businesses. "At the same time, the adjustment is a sign of appreciation for our master craftswomen and craftsmen and thus an important step towards parity between vocational and academic education ."

Further information on the adjustments to the Master Craftsman Start-Up Grant in North Rhine-Westphalia, as well as the application documents, are available from the State Trade Promotion Agency of North Rhine-Westphalian Crafts at mgp.lgh.nrw . A fully digital application and approval process will also be available there from spring 2025 .

DHB now also available digitally! Simply click here and register for the digital German Crafts Journal (DHB)!