European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) in Brandenburg

The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) in Brandenburg has been supporting a variety of measures since 2021 to strengthen employment, education, social inclusion, and social innovation. The funding is based on the program’s specific guidelines for the 2021–2027 funding period and supports projects that sustainably advance labor market integration, qualification, and social cohesion. The focus is both on traditionally oriented training and continuing education offers as well as on innovative social measures that open up new avenues for participation and support. The funds primarily come from European and state resources and are granted as non-repayable subsidies. The managing authority is the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Energy and Climate Protection of the State of Brandenburg, while the Investment Bank of the State of Brandenburg (ILB) acts as the central application office.

Eligible applicants include companies, educational institutions including universities and research institutions, municipalities, associations, private individuals, as well as public institutions within the State of Brandenburg. The non-repayable subsidies contribute to the financing of consulting services, qualification measures, infrastructure and innovation projects, and promote cooperation between different stakeholders. Funding is project-based and depends on the type and scope of the measure; the requirements are defined in the respective specific guidelines of the ESF+ Program Brandenburg 2021–2027. Applications can be submitted at any time, as funding opportunities are continuously open; binding deadlines and detailed regulations are set out in the specific guidelines. The aim is to provide sustainable impulses for the regional labor market, innovative educational structures, and inclusive social models, thereby promoting social cohesion in the State of Brandenburg in the long term.