New funding: Invest properly in Brandenburg's crafts now!

New funding: Invest properly in Brandenburg's crafts now!

In 2026, there will be a variety of funding opportunities for craft businesses in Brandenburg, which will be particularly popular in structurally weak regions. The support comes from both the federal and state governments and offers new opportunities for the business landscape in Lausitz and Uckermark. How Craft sheet reports, master craftsmen who become self-employed or take over a business can receive a grant of up to 12,000 euros.

But that's not all: if you create a job or training position, you can receive an additional 5,000 euros and even up to 7,000 euros if the position is filled by a woman. This initiative is intended to specifically promote women in skilled trades and increase diversity in the industry.

Funding island for founders and companies

From July 1, 2024, the changed guidelines for the master craftsman start-up bonus will apply, which was extended until the end of 2026 in order to strengthen self-employment in the skilled trades. The Potsdam Chamber of Crafts offers comprehensive support, accompanied by advice through to the application process. It is important that the relevant applications must be submitted to the Investment Bank of the State of Brandenburg.

Another program, which is available to craftsmen in the Lusatian mining region as part of the Just Transition Fund (JTF), supports companies in modernizing. These funds are in great demand, especially as the region is undergoing structural change following the end of lignite mining. The subsidies for productive investments are between 10 and 45 percent, and for investments under 300,000 euros, up to 70 percent can be subsidized.

Diverse support for companies

In addition, young companies benefit from subsidies such as the Lausitz start-up allowance, which is granted at 2,030 euros per month and can add up to 24,360 euros. There are low-interest loans for existing craft businesses, for example through the Brandenburg-Kredit Mikro, which provides loans of up to 25,000 euros. The Brandenburg Innovation Voucher 2025 (BIG) also offers between 5,000 and 100,000 euros for product and process development.

There is also a special focus on digitization: BIG – Digital supports digitization projects with up to 50 percent subsidies, a maximum of 250,000 euros. And last but not least, there is the education check for employees, which covers 60 percent of further training costs, up to a maximum amount of 3,000 euros.

The current situation is a golden opportunity for all craft businesses that want to be successful in the next few years. Contact information and further advice is available from the Chambers of Crafts in Cottbus, Potsdam and Frankfurt (Oder) in order to optimally align business strategies.

This state aid not only provides support for craft businesses in Brandenburg, but also offers prospects for the future. Anyone who has a good hand now can use these grants to lay the foundation for sustainable success!