Horizont Handwerk – Experience Exchange Groups in Crafts

Chambers of Crafts, state guilds and trade associations for crafts, and district craft associations in Baden-Württemberg can receive grants for moderated experience exchange groups. The program aims to sensitize owners, management, and skilled workers of small and medium-sized craft businesses in Baden-Württemberg to future-relevant topics and to promote knowledge transfer. The groups are intended to broaden their operational horizons and stimulate cooperative business models.

The program supports the implementation of experience exchange groups on future-relevant topics and optionally the creation of documentation of findings for knowledge transfer to craft businesses. Key thematic areas include digitalization, innovation, cooperation, personnel, strategy and transformation, as well as sustainability, energy transition, and climate protection.

Funding is provided as a grant to cover costs for external moderation and speakers, and optionally for the documentation of group results. The amount of the grant varies depending on the session duration and covers a certain percentage of the eligible costs of documentation.

To receive funding, applicants must meet specific conditions regarding the target group, group size, and composition. Furthermore, publicity obligations, adherence to procurement regulations, and certain budget restrictions must be observed. Double funding by other public subsidies is excluded.

Applications for funding must be submitted in writing to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism Baden-Württemberg, Department 41 – Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Crafts. Applications for grants are processed in the order of their complete receipt. Approval is granted only after review and a positive decision, and supply and service contracts may only be concluded thereafter.

The funding program "ERFA-Groups – Horizont Handwerk" is based on the Law for the Promotion of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and is implemented as a model project within the framework of the "Horizont Handwerk" initiative of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism. It is subject to the provisions of the State Budget Code and the General Ancillary Provisions for Grants for Project Funding.