State Programme for Work – A1/a Skilled Labour Service Schleswig-Holstein – Service Centre

This programme funds entities in Schleswig-Holstein that establish and operate a central service centre for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The funding aims to support these SMEs in attracting, retaining, and qualifying skilled workers and employees, in order to counteract the shortage of skilled labour in the region. Eligible applicants are institutions outside the state administration with their registered office or business establishment in Schleswig-Holstein, possessing relevant expertise and networks.

The funding supports personnel and material costs for the establishment and operation of a central service centre for skilled labour and workforce retention for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The service centre must fulfil specific main tasks such as communication, coordination, and market analyses. Eligible costs are precisely defined and include personnel for up to three full-time equivalents as well as a flat rate for indirect costs.

The funding is granted as a non-repayable grant within the framework of project funding with co-financing. The maximum funding amount is 90% of the eligible total expenditures. The applicant must contribute at least 10% of their own funds. The funding is divided into several sections, with a separate call for applications for each section.

To be considered for funding, applicants must meet specific criteria regarding their expertise, knowledge of regional structures, and willingness to cooperate. Furthermore, concrete tasks and activities for the service centre to be established are defined. Special attention must be paid to the EU's communication and public relations requirements, as well as cross-cutting principles such as gender equality, equal opportunities, non-discrimination, and accessibility, which must be observed in all project phases.

The application procedure requires the timely submission of a complete project application in written form and as a PDF file to the Investitionsbank Schleswig-Holstein. Applications are evaluated by a jury using a scoring model that considers project concept, suitability of the project sponsor, and project financing. Approval or rejection is carried out by Investitionsbank Schleswig-Holstein.

The basis of this funding programme are the specific funding criteria for the service centre "Action A 1 – Skilled Labour Service Schleswig-Holstein" from February 1, 2023, which in turn are based on the framework guideline of the Schleswig-Holstein State Labour Market Programme for the 2021–2027 ESF Plus funding period. Additionally, EU regulations and internal funding principles must be observed.