This is how craftsmen successfully apply for financing

No support for digital technology or sustainability project, even though the craft business put a lot of effort into writing the support request? It may happen. But: craftsmen can increase their chances of receiving financing – with these simple tips.

Written by Eileen Wisowski

The desire for change in the craft business is there, the strategy is mature, the appropriate technology or further training measures for the employees have been identified – but unfortunately there are not enough funds to implement it. In such cases, financial support, development loan or grant can help in realizing the project.

Craftsmen Support Programs

Again and again, there are financing programs of interest to craftsmen, for example in the field of digitization. This is an example of that financing program “My number is now” Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection, which is currently operating. It supports small and medium-sized companies with their investments in digital technologies and the qualification of their employees with a grant of up to 50,000 or 100,000 euros.

For those entrepreneurs who value sustainability in their operations, a promotional loan via Climate protection attack for medium-sized companies“ Be interesting to KfW Bank. Investments are funded in climate protection measures, including the purchase of electric vehicles. There are many funding programs for start-ups in the skilled professions. like this “Junior Examination Craft” For skilled craftsmen who wish to start a business in NRW or Federal States ‘Main Incorporation Bonus’ Thuringia or Berlin.

>>> An overview of federal, state and EU funding programs is provided by Funding database of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection.

Submit a successful scholarship application

Now is the time to apply for funding and impress those responsible for your project. But this is not always approved. “It can fail because the formalities have not been observed. As a general rule, the Then the order was immediately sorted ”, Monica Fogg says. Expert in financing projects and charitable campaigns. In this field, the author of the blog Worth knowing about financing I gained a lot of experience from which tips for craftsmen can also be derived. Therefore, if you want to increase your chances of being accepted, you should keep in mind the following points:

1. Project identification

The idea for the project is there – but is it enough to convince those responsible for the financing? “It depends. Sometimes an idea is enough, and then it is further developed,” says Monika Vog. “As a rule, however, the project must be mature. This means that there must be a concept.” This must appear on the funding application. “Affiliate The application should answer the main questions. Who does what in the project, when exactly the individual steps are carried out, how and by what means? ”

Anyone who adapts the content of their project according to the funding guidelines also gets points. The same application of different funding programs is unlikely to be successful – even if it (supposedly) saves time. The bait should taste good for the fish, not the fisherman: “Sometimes this means you have to tweak the content of the app again and add an ingredient or two,” Vog explains.

2. Do not underestimate the preparations

Good preparation is important. Because usually with the funding request many plants They are offered, the purchase of which costs time. Anyone who only deals with funding guidelines shortly before the deadline ends up in trouble. Expert Tip: “Read the funding guidelines completely at first and decide what’s important. What attachments should I provide? Should I deliver them quickly or should I get them elsewhere?”

Here, too, it is important to observe formalities. Vog says, giving an example: “If it is specified that a document must be signed by an authorized representative, then he really should sign the document and not a department head.”

3. Write persuasive texts

Entrepreneurs describe their project in text form in the funding request. The better the text is written, the more convincing it is. Anyone who writes a “novel” doesn’t necessarily put in more effort. “In terms of content, the following applies: as much as necessary, but as little as possible,” says the finance expert. The number of characters in the application form is often limited anyway. Clear, simple, and lively language can also be helpful. Sentences should be phrased actively rather than passively, the expert advises. Example: “We are using the following technology” instead of “The following technology is being used in the project.”

Additionally, artisans and women should use abbreviations as well as foreign and technical terms in moderation. “One cannot assume that the person reading the app will understand the abbreviations and technical terms,” ​​says Vog. Nothing is more annoying than having the reader angry with the text – and in the worst case, diminishing the success of the commitment.

4. Realistically calculate costs

It is about money. Entrepreneurs should not be optimistic about the costs of their financing project. But it is realistic. “Especially in the public sector, financing should be used economically and frugally, which is why applicants in the financing scheme Do not consider the costs that are too high Must,” says the finance expert.

There are easy-to-apply levers. Example: To be able to use a particular technology in a workshop, all employees need cell phones. Instead of relying on expensive brand models, you can use devices that have the same functionality but are much cheaper.

Sometimes, expensive hardware is necessary to implement the project because it is the only hardware running the necessary software, for example. “Why specifically these devices should be, I have to explain it well in my app,” advises Vog.

5. Provide solutions

Of course, new things can also have risks. Is it better to keep it secret to increase your chances of getting the scholarship? “If the funding request asks about potential risks, it should of course be submitted,” Fogg says. “But it is also important to be possible To demonstrate solutions to these risks in the funding request,” So blogger.

6. Consider follow-up

The funding request has been approved, and the bureaucratic part is now complete. This is a wrong idea. “Once the application is approved, that’s where to start,” Vog says. It is now important to monitor the development of the project compared to the application, to comply with the requirements of the sponsor, to observe the approval periods and to communicate with the sponsor. “Take this too sufficient capabilities, Any entrepreneurs should take it into consideration beforehand.”

Where craftsmen can get advice

Still not sure about the design of the funding request? In many cases, those responsible for financing, eg b-banks, even tips. The craft rooms also offer advice on crafts. For example, file Dresden craft room About the various funding programs in professions and the names of the contacts.