📋 Tender Overview
The Ministry of Economic Affairs has published the call for funding "Intensive advice on future trade 2030 - digitization, strategy, human resources, sustainability". This is intended to continue the intensive consultation in an expanded form and on better terms.
“For a long time, owner-managed medium-sized retailers in particular have been undergoing profound structural change due to strong competition from large retail companies and rapid digital transformation. The persistent, clearly noticeable reluctance to consume due to the high inflation is an additional burden on the retail trade. In addition, the shortage of skilled workers and workers is becoming increasingly noticeable. Right now it is particularly important to continue to support and accompany the small and medium-sized retail businesses in the state individually with a tailor-made range of advice. That's why we will continue the intensive consultation and expand it thematically," explained Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, Minister for Economic Affairs, Labor and Tourism on July 21, 2023 in Stuttgart.
Intensive advice in an extended form and on improved terms
In addition to the challenges outlined, retailers also have to deal with the growing consumer desire for local products and sustainable business practices. In addition, he must make a contribution to resource conservation and further improve his sustainability efforts. In doing so, he must face up to additional regulatory requirements. “In order to take up the resulting need for advice, we are expanding the intensive advice to include the topic of sustainability. Digitization, strategy and human resources remain the subject areas," explained Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut.
In addition, the subsidy rate is to be increased from 60 to 70 percent in order to reduce the financial burden on companies and make the offer more attractive. The project sponsor should thus be able to design the own contribution that the company has to provide as cost-effectively as possible.
With the call for funding , a project sponsor is to be found again for the implementation and processing of the intensive consultations, which is demonstrably able to guarantee comprehensive support in Baden-Württemberg. As part of an intensive consultation, the internal structures and processes as well as the business concepts should be analyzed with regard to their innovativeness and future viability. On this basis, suggestions for improvement with instructions for implementation are to be developed, particularly with regard to the development of sustainable business and service concepts and the financing structure. A maximum of 15 days' work can be used per company, regardless of the possible subject areas.
Another 1.27 million euros in funding
Between September 2021 and June 2023, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labor and Tourism has already funded intensive consultations for around 100 small and medium-sized retail companies with a volume of 1.27 million euros. As the project sponsor, Unternehmensberatung Handel GmbH has successfully implemented this first funding phase in cooperation with the consulting and business development agency for crafts and medium-sized businesses .
A further 1.27 million euros in funding is now available for the current funding period. The funding is limited to the end of December 2024 for budgetary reasons. Applications for funding can be submitted to the Ministry of Economics by August 30, 2023.
