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Master Craftsperson Start-up Grant NRW
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Grant
Last updated: 14.6.2025

The Master Craftsperson Start-up Grant NRW supports master craftspersons in North Rhine-Westphalia with business start-ups or business takeovers. It is a one-off, non-repayable grant of up to 10,500 euros. The program promotes the creation or retention of jobs in the skilled trades, thereby strengthening the regional economy.

Who is funded

The Master Craftsperson Start-up Grant NRW is specifically aimed at master craftspersons in North Rhine-Westphalia who wish to establish a sustainable full-time business or take over a craft business. The program aims to incentivize highly qualified professionals to start businesses and take over existing ones, thereby securing the existence of craft businesses in NRW, strengthening the state's economic power, and counteracting the shortage of skilled workers.

What is funded

The Master Craftsperson Start-up Grant NRW supports new business formations, business takeovers, or majority participations in craft businesses. Investments and operating funds are subsidized to support a sustainable business start-up. The program is geared towards the first-time establishment of a full-time business and emphasizes the creation or retention of jobs and training positions.

Type and Scope of Funding

The Master Craftsperson Start-up Grant NRW is granted as a non-repayable subsidy, covering up to 70 percent of the eligible expenses, but a maximum of 10,500 euros. The grant can only be claimed once per applicant.

Conditions and Requirements

Specific conditions apply to the Master Craftsperson Start-up Grant NRW regarding the application, the de minimis regulation, and other provisions. These include compliance with minimum expenditures, the obligation to create or retain jobs, and the acceptance of data storage and controls. Double funding is excluded.

Application Process

The application process for the Master Craftsperson Start-up Grant NRW begins with submitting the application to the competent Chamber of Crafts, which conducts mandatory consulting and issues a positive funding recommendation. The approving authority then decides based on the application and the recommendation. After approval, disbursement occurs upon fund request, once the fulfillment of the funding conditions has been demonstrated.

The Master Craftsperson Start-up Grant NRW is based on specific guidelines of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and is supported by the State Budget Ordinance and the European de minimis regulation. These regulations define the funding framework and the conditions for granting the subsidy.

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Funding Overview

Maximum Amount

Maximum Amount:

€10,500

Deadline

Deadline:

31.12.2025

Open Until

Open Until:

31.12.2025

Award Channel

Award Channel:

Demand Driven Scheme

Region

Region:

North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany)

Sectors

Sectors:

Other

Funding Stages

Funding Stages:

Planning, Market Introduction, Scaling, Commercialization

Funding Provider

Program Level: Regional

Funding Body: Ministry of Economy, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of North Rhine-Westphalia (MWIKE)

Managed By: State Craft Promotion Agency of North Rhine-Westphalia (LGH)

Additional Partners: Chamber of Crafts

Website: Landes-Gewerbeförderungsstelle des nordrhein-westfälischen Handwerks e.V.