Master Craftsman Start-up Bonus

The Master Craftsman Start-up Bonus is aimed at master craftsmen and women in Thuringia who wish to establish an independent business in a skilled trade, take over a business, or acquire a stake in one. The goal is to strengthen the skilled trades in Thuringia and create jobs and apprenticeships.

The program supports the initial establishment, takeover, or active participation in a skilled trade business (basic funding), as well as the creation of jobs and apprenticeships (development funding) in Thuringia. The funding is provided as a one-off grant for these specific actions.

The funding is provided as a non-repayable grant. The basic funding amounts to EUR 5,000 for the initial establishment, takeover, or active participation. An additional development funding of EUR 2,500 can be applied for the creation of jobs or apprenticeships.

Eligible applicants must prove a master craftsman's examination or equivalent qualification, be registered in the skilled trades register, and have registered a full-time business. A positive viability certificate from the Chamber of Crafts is mandatory. The funding is subject to the De minimis Regulation and a three-year tie-up period.

Applications for the Master Craftsman Start-up Bonus must be submitted in writing and in the prescribed form to the Thuringian Development Bank (TAB). Before applying, applicants must seek advice from the competent Chamber of Crafts, which will issue a viability certificate. The basic and development funding will be disbursed as a one-time payment after positive review and approval by the TAB.

The Master Craftsman Start-up Bonus is based on the revised Guideline for the Promotion of Master Craftsmen and Women in Thuringia dated December 20, 2023. This guideline is supplemented by further budgetary and administrative procedural provisions of the Free State of Thuringia, as well as European aid regulations.