Start-up/Business Takeover (Technical Crafts) – Arnfried and Hannelore Meyer Foundation

The Arnfried and Hannelore Meyer Foundation supports young master craftsmen in the technical field in the city and district of Heilbronn in founding their own businesses or taking over existing craft enterprises. Through a grant program, the foundation specifically supports investments in tangible assets such as equipment and consumables and additionally offers equity participation as well as mezzanine capital in cooperation with the Chamber of Crafts and banks. This financing approach strengthens technical founders and young masters in sectors such as metal, wood, and environmental technology or new technologies in realizing forward-looking business ideas. Particular importance is placed on the degree of innovation, future viability, and social necessity of the planned enterprise.

Interested founders may submit applications on an ongoing basis as soon as a brief project description and a concept or financial plan are available. An informal review is conducted in advance to ensure eligibility criteria (master craftsman title, location within the funding area, young master status) are met. Upon positive assessment, the required documents to be submitted are coordinated jointly based on a checklist from the foundation. The evaluation is guided by established criteria—including feasibility, sustainability, and fulfillment of the foundation’s purpose—and is carried out by the foundation’s committees at their discretion. Following approval, regular reports on the use of funds must be submitted to ensure transparency and project success. The program thus offers comprehensive support for technically oriented business startups and takeovers within the funding area.