Advancement Bonus I and II

The funding offer is aimed at individuals with their main residence or place of employment in Rhineland-Palatinate who have demonstrated their professional qualification at DQR level 6 or 7 and now wish to realize a recognition bonus or start a business. As a one-time grant, the state of Rhineland-Palatinate awards €2,000 per completed advanced training certificate (master craftsmen, business administrators, etc.) thereby acknowledging the equivalence of craft and commercial qualifications with academic degrees. For the first-time commercial establishment based on such a qualification, a bonus of €2,500 is available. The Ministry of Economic Affairs, Transport, Agriculture and Viticulture thus supports individual career paths and strengthens the start-up climate in the state.

The funding can be applied for as Advancement Bonus I within four months after the examination result is determined or as Advancement Bonus II up to twelve months after the business start-up. The application must include a fully completed form, examination certificate, proof of main residence or place of employment, and a De-minimis declaration. Eligible are all graduates of advanced training examinations since January 1, 2020, and founders who, within ten years after completing their examination, establish a full self-employment for the first time, take over a business, or enter into an active participation. The chambers of crafts, chambers of industry and commerce, and the Chamber of Agriculture Rhineland-Palatinate are responsible for reviewing applications. Interested parties can obtain detailed information and the required documents from the regional chambers and on the funding providers’ websites.